Cardiac transgenic matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression induces myxomatous valve degeneration: a potential model of mitral valve prolapse disease

摘要

IntroductionMyxomatous mitral valve “degeneration” with prolapse (MVP) is the most frequent form of nonischemic mitral valve disease. In myxomatous valves, interstitial cells express extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes and it has been postulated that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to these changes.