Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in complications of thoracic aortic aneurysm

Objectve: Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases involved in extracellular matrix remodelling, associated with both physiopatological processes of several human tissues and systems, such as vascular system. It is well known their involvement in mediating both beneficial and pathological aorta effects, such as abdominal orta aneurysms and its complcations. On the contrary, unclear data exist about their role in the pathophysiology of sporadic thoracic aneurysm (TAA) and its complications. Thus, the aim of this study was to nalyse the role of MMPs in TAA complications, i.e. rupture and dissection.Methods: Aortic specimens obtained from 73 patients (51 men and 22 women, age 61.7 years) a…