Low Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases 3 and High Matrix Metalloproteinase 14 Levels Defines a Subpopulation of Highly Invasive Foam-Cell Macrophages

摘要

ObjectiveAn excess of metalloproteinases (MMPs) over tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) may favor atherosclerotic plaque rupture. We compared TIMP levels in nonfoamy and foam-cell macrophages (FCM) generated in vivo.