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Circulation. 1998;97:2433-2444

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(Circulation. 1998;97:2433-2444.)
© 1998 American Heart Association, Inc.


Basic Science Reports

Lipid Lowering by Diet Reduces Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity and Increases Collagen Content of Rabbit Atheroma

A Potential Mechanism of Lesion Stabilization

Masanori Aikawa, MD, PhD; Elena Rabkin, MD, PhD; Yoshikatsu Okada, MD, PhD; Sami J. Voglic; Steven K. Clinton, MD, PhD; Constance E. Brinckerhoff, PhD; Galina K. Sukhova, PhD; ; Peter Libby, MD

From the Vascular Medicine and Atherosclerosis Unit, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School (M.A., E.R., Y.O., S.J.V., G.K.S., P.L.), and the Department of Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School (S.K.C.), Boston, Mass; and the Department of Medicine, Dartmouth Medical School (C.E.B.), Hanover, NH.

Correspondence to Dr Peter Libby, Vascular Medicine and Atherosclerosis Unit, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Ave, LMRC 307, Boston, MA 02115. E-mail plibby{at}rics.bwh.harvard.edu

Background—Proteolytic enzyme activity in lipid-rich atheroma may promote plaque rupture and precipitate acute coronary syndromes. This study tested the hypothesis that lipid lowering stabilizes plaques by reducing proteolytic activity.

Methods and Results—We produced experimental atheroma in 33 rabbits by balloon injury and an atherogenic diet (0.3% cholesterol and 4.7% coconut oil) for 4 months. At that time, 15 rabbits were killed (baseline group). The remaining animals were divided into two groups: a hyperlipemic group continued to consume a cholesterol-enriched diet (0.05% to 0.2%) for 16 more months (n=5) and a lipid-lowering group consumed a purified chow diet with no added cholesterol or fat for 8 (n=3) or 16 months (n=10). Macrophage accumulation and interstitial collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1, MMP-1) expression in the lesion were measured by quantitative image analysis of standardized sections of immunostained aortas. Baseline lesions expressed high levels of MMP-1 and contained many macrophages. These features of plaque instability persisted in the hyperlipemic group. However, the lipid-lowering group showed progressive reduction in both macrophage content and MMP-1 immunoreactivity with time. Aortic rings of the baseline and hyperlipemic groups elaborated gelatinolytic, caseinolytic, and elastinolytic activity attributable to MMP-2, MMP-3, or MMP-9, monitored by SDS-PAGE zymography. Proteolytic activity decreased markedly in the lipid-lowering group. Aortic content of interstitial collagen, determined by sirius red staining, increased in the lipid-lowering group compared with the baseline or continued hyperlipemic groups, indicating that lipid lowering reinforced the fibrous skeleton of the atheroma.

Conclusions—These results establish a mechanism by which lipid lowering may stabilize vulnerable plaques by reduced expression and activity of enzymes that degrade the arterial extracellular matrix and render atheroma less susceptible to disruption and thrombosis by favoring collagen accumulation in the fibrous cap.


Key Words: metalloproteinases • atherosclerosis • diet • hypercholesterolemia • collagen




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J Am Coll CardiolHome page
S. E. Nissen
Pathobiology, not angiography, should guide managementin acute coronary syndrome/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: The non-interventionist's perspective
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., February 19, 2003; 41(4_Suppl_S): 103S - 112S.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
R. Koshida, J. Ou, T. Matsunaga, W. M. Chilian, K. T. Oldham, A. W. Ackerman, and K. A. Pritchard Jr
Angiostatin: A Negative Regulator of Endothelial-Dependent Vasodilation
Circulation, February 18, 2003; 107(6): 803 - 806.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Cardiovasc ResHome page
K. Morishige, H. Shimokawa, Y. Matsumoto, Y. Eto, T. Uwatoku, K. Abe, K. Sueishi, and A. Takeshita
Overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 promotes intravascular thrombus formation in porcine coronary arteries in vivo
Cardiovasc Res, February 1, 2003; 57(2): 572 - 585.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Cardiovasc ResHome page
M. A. Hernandez-Presa, M. Ortego, J. Tunon, J. L. Martin-Ventura, S. Mas, L. M. Blanco-Colio, C. Aparicio, L. Ortega, J. Gomez-Gerique, F. Vivanco, et al.
Simvastatin reduces NF-{kappa}B activity in peripheral mononuclear and in plaque cells of rabbit atheroma more markedly than lipid lowering diet
Cardiovasc Res, January 1, 2003; 57(1): 168 - 177.
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CirculationHome page
U. Schonbeck, N. Gerdes, N. Varo, R. S. Reynolds, D. B. Horton, U. Bavendiek, L. Robbie, P. Ganz, S. Kinlay, and P. Libby
Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Augments and 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Inhibitors Limit CD40 and CD40L Expression in Human Vascular Cells
Circulation, December 3, 2002; 106(23): 2888 - 2893.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
L. G. Bucciarelli, T. Wendt, W. Qu, Y. Lu, E. Lalla, L. L. Rong, M. T. Goova, B. Moser, T. Kislinger, D. C. Lee, et al.
RAGE Blockade Stabilizes Established Atherosclerosis in Diabetic Apolipoprotein E-Null Mice
Circulation, November 26, 2002; 106(22): 2827 - 2835.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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ANN INTERN MEDHome page
J. S. Forrester
Prevention of Plaque Rupture: A New Paradigm of Therapy
Ann Intern Med, November 19, 2002; 137(10): 823 - 833.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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J. Biol. Chem.Home page
K. Takayama, G. Garcia-Cardena, G. K. Sukhova, J. Comander, M. A. Gimbrone Jr., and P. Libby
Prostaglandin E2 Suppresses Chemokine Production in Human Macrophages through the EP4 Receptor
J. Biol. Chem., November 8, 2002; 277(46): 44147 - 44154.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Eur Heart J SupplHome page
C. Kluft, R. Kleemann, and M.P.M. de Maat
How best to counteract the enemies? By controlling inflammation in the coronary circulation
Eur. Heart J. Suppl., November 1, 2002; 4(suppl_G): G53 - G65.
[Abstract] [PDF]


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Circ. Res.Home page
Z. S. Galis, C. Johnson, D. Godin, R. Magid, J. M. Shipley, R. M. Senior, and E. Ivan
Targeted Disruption of the Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Gene Impairs Smooth Muscle Cell Migration and Geometrical Arterial Remodeling
Circ. Res., November 1, 2002; 91(9): 852 - 859.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
A. C. Sposito and M. J. Chapman
Statin Therapy in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Mechanistic Insight Into Clinical Benefit
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, October 1, 2002; 22(10): 1524 - 1534.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Cardiovasc ResHome page
P. Verhamme, R. Quarck, H. Hao, M. Knaapen, S. Dymarkowski, H. Bernar, J. Van Cleemput, S. Janssens, J. Vermylen, G. Gabbiani, et al.
Dietary cholesterol withdrawal reduces vascular inflammation and induces coronary plaque stabilization in miniature pigs
Cardiovasc Res, October 1, 2002; 56(1): 135 - 144.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
M. Aikawa, S. Sugiyama, C. C. Hill, S. J. Voglic, E. Rabkin, Y. Fukumoto, F. J. Schoen, J. L. Witztum, and P. Libby
Lipid Lowering Reduces Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Cell Activation in Rabbit Atheroma
Circulation, September 10, 2002; 106(11): 1390 - 1396.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
G. K. Sukhova, J. K. Williams, and P. Libby
Statins Reduce Inflammation in Atheroma of Nonhuman Primates Independent of Effects on Serum Cholesterol
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, September 1, 2002; 22(9): 1452 - 1458.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
R. P. Choudhury, V. Fuster, J. J. Badimon, E. A. Fisher, and Z. A. Fayad
MRI and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Plaque: Emerging Applications and Molecular Imaging
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, July 1, 2002; 22(7): 1065 - 1074.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
J. Hulthe and B. Fagerberg
Circulating Oxidized LDL Is Associated With Subclinical Atherosclerosis Development and Inflammatory Cytokines (AIR Study)
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, July 1, 2002; 22(7): 1162 - 1167.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
T. C. Major, L. Liang, X. Lu, W. Rosebury, and T. M.A. Bocan
Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer (EMMPRIN) Is Induced Upon Monocyte Differentiation and Is Expressed in Human Atheroma
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, July 1, 2002; 22(7): 1200 - 1207.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Vasc MedHome page
I. Loftus and M. Thompson
The role of matrix metalloproteinases in vascular disease
Vascular Medicine, May 1, 2002; 7(2): 117 - 133.
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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
M. R. Bennett
Breaking the Plaque: Evidence for Plaque Rupture in Animal Models of Atherosclerosis
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, May 1, 2002; 22(5): 713 - 714.
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Cardiovasc ResHome page
M. D. Rekhter
How to evaluate plaque vulnerability in animal models of atherosclerosis?
Cardiovasc Res, April 1, 2002; 54(1): 36 - 41.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
P. Libby and M. Aikawa
Vitamin C, Collagen, and Cracks in the Plaque
Circulation, March 26, 2002; 105(12): 1396 - 1398.
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Circ. Res.Home page
Z. S. Galis and J. J. Khatri
Matrix Metalloproteinases in Vascular Remodeling and Atherogenesis: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Circ. Res., February 22, 2002; 90(3): 251 - 262.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Cold Spring Harb Symp Quant BiolHome page
K.S. MOULTON
Plaque Angiogenesis: Its Functions and Regulation
Cold Spring Harb Symp Quant Biol, January 1, 2002; 67(0): 471 - 482.
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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
G. S. Cherr, S. J. Motew, J. A. Travis, J. Fingerle, L. Fisher, M. Brandl, J. K. Williams, and R. L. Geary
Metalloproteinase Inhibition and the Response to Angioplasty and Stenting in Atherosclerotic Primates
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, January 1, 2002; 22(1): 161 - 166.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
E. Rabkin, M. Aikawa, J. R. Stone, Y. Fukumoto, P. Libby, and F. J. Schoen
Activated Interstitial Myofibroblasts Express Catabolic Enzymes and Mediate Matrix Remodeling in Myxomatous Heart Valves
Circulation, November 20, 2001; 104(21): 2525 - 2532.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Circ. Res.Home page
G. J. Blake and P. M. Ridker
Novel Clinical Markers of Vascular Wall Inflammation
Circ. Res., October 26, 2001; 89(9): 763 - 771.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
G. Sangiorgi, R. D'Averio, A. Mauriello, M. Bondio, M. Pontillo, S. Castelvecchio, S. Trimarchi, V. Tolva, G. Nano, V. Rampoldi, et al.
Plasma Levels of Metalloproteinases-3 and -9 as Markers of Successful Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Exclusion After Endovascular Graft Treatment
Circulation, September 18, 2001; 104 (2009): I-288 - I-295.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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J Am Coll CardiolHome page
P. Schoenhagen, K. M. Ziada, D. G. Vince, S. E. Nissen, and E. M. Tuzcu
Arterial remodeling and coronary artery disease: the concept of "dilated" versus "obstructive" coronary atherosclerosis
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., August 1, 2001; 38(2): 297 - 306.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
B. R. Kwak and F. Mach
Statins Inhibit Leukocyte Recruitment: New Evidence for Their Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, August 1, 2001; 21(8): 1256 - 1258.
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Eur Heart J SupplHome page
J.F. Bentzon and E. Falk
Coronary plaques calling for action -- why, where and how many?
Eur. Heart J. Suppl., August 1, 2001; 3(suppl_I): I3 - I9.
[Abstract] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
M. Schartl, W. Bocksch, D. H. Koschyk, W. Voelker, K. R. Karsch, J. Kreuzer, D. Hausmann, S. Beckmann, and M. Gross
Use of Intravascular Ultrasound to Compare Effects of Different Strategies of Lipid-Lowering Therapy on Plaque Volume and Composition in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Circulation, July 24, 2001; 104(4): 387 - 392.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
R. Corti, Z. A. Fayad, V. Fuster, S. G. Worthley, G. Helft, J. Chesebro, M. Mercuri, and J. J. Badimon
Effects of Lipid-Lowering by Simvastatin on Human Atherosclerotic Lesions: A Longitudinal Study by High-Resolution, Noninvasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Circulation, July 17, 2001; 104(3): 249 - 252.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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CirculationHome page
P. Libby
Current Concepts of the Pathogenesis of the Acute Coronary Syndromes
Circulation, July 17, 2001; 104(3): 365 - 372.
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CirculationHome page
L. J. Feldman, M. Mazighi, A. Scheuble, J.-F. Deux, E. De Benedetti, C. Badier-Commander, E. Brambilla, D. Henin, P. G. Steg, and M.-P. Jacob
Differential Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases After Stent Implantation and Balloon Angioplasty in the Hypercholesterolemic Rabbit
Circulation, June 26, 2001; 103(25): 3117 - 3122.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Bio.Home page
H. Kataoka, N. Kume, S. Miyamoto, M. Minami, M. Morimoto, K. Hayashida, N. Hashimoto, and T. Kita
Oxidized LDL Modulates Bax/Bcl-2 Through the Lectinlike Ox-LDL Receptor-1 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, June 1, 2001; 21(6): 955 - 960.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]