J Korean Soc Vasc Surg.  2010 Aug;26(2):118-123.

The Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression in Early Arterialized Saphenous Vein Grafts

• Huh S
• Choi HH
• Kim HK

Abstract

The venous wall remodeling of a vein graft that's used in arterial bypass is the results of extensive degeneration of the extracellular matrix, and this is induced by hypertensive hemodynamic stimulation, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to this partially adverse change. This study investigated the expression of MMPs in the early phase of an arterialized vein graft. Three paired great saphenous vein (GSV) segments of a pre- and post-arterialized vein graft were obtained from 3 patients with atherosclerotic arterial occlusive disease. Light microscopic examination, immunohistochemistry and zymography were performed. There is no difference between the pre- and post-arterialized GSV segments for the morphological changes of the venous walls and also on the immunohistochemistry for MMPs and TIMPs. The activities of MMP-2 and -9 were significantly increased in 2 of 3 patients. In the early arterialized phase of the vein graft, the morphological change and expression of MMPs and TIMPs were not prominent; however, MMP-2 and -9 may have some roles in venous wall remodeling.

Keyword

Vein graft; Matrix metalloproteinases

MeSH Terms

Arterial Occlusive Diseases
Extracellular Matrix
Hemodynamics
Humans
Immunohistochemistry
Light
Matrix Metalloproteinases
Saphenous Vein
Transplants
Veins
Matrix Metalloproteinases