基质金属蛋白酶在动脉粥样硬化斑块中的表达

目的探讨基质金属蛋白酶对动脉硬化斑块稳定性的影响。方法选择人股动脉动脉粥样硬化（AS）斑块标本40个，以脂核面积占斑块面积40％为标准设立不稳定斑块（UP）组和稳定斑块（SP）组，冰冻切片进行免疫组织化学染色，观察基质金属蛋白酶-2（MMP-2）、基质金属蛋白酶-9（MMP-9）的分布特点。结果HE染色见UP组标本脂核面积大，纤维帽薄弱，斑块内可见大量的泡沫细胞和巨噬细胞，局部常见内膜损伤。MMP-2、MMP-9在UP组表达高于SP组，在UP组肩部表达最高[分别为（18．71±7．64）、（18．53±2．34）A]。结论肩部是不稳定AS斑块易损部位，基质金属蛋白酶参与AS斑块失稳定过程。

The expression of MMP in the atherosclerotic plaque

Objective To observe the effect of inflammation factors,MMPs on the stability of the atherosclerotic plaques.Methods 40 Specimens of human femoral artery atherosclerotic plaques were divided into unstable plaque group(with lipid core size ＞40%)and stable group(with no or only little lipid core),and the immunohistochemical staining were performed for MMP-2 and MMP-9.The distribution of the positive cells were observed under the optical microscope,and were analysed by Image-pro plus (IPP) auto picture analysis system.Results HE staining: Unstable plaques : the lipid core size was greater than 40% of the plaque size,the fibrous cap was also thinner,numerous foam cells and macrophages were found within the plaque,and the endomembrane shedding was common.The increased expressions of MMPs were found in the unstable plaque group versus stable group.The expressions in the shoulder regions of unstable plaques were highest.Conclusions The shoulder region of the atheromatous plaque is tendency to the destabilization.MMPs are important factors that contribute to plaque instability.