Abstract
Abstract
Background
Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) have been investigated to play significant roles in the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). But the reports on the expression pattern of TLR4 and MMP9 in human AAA specimens were relatively scant. The aim of this study was to make a detailed analysis of TLR4 and MMP9 expression in situ and their association with clinical parameters involved in human AAA.
Methods
40 AAA specimens were obtained from full-thickness aneurysmal tissues at the maximal dilation area during the open surgical repair, and 8 non-aneurysmal abdominal aortas from transplant donors served as controls. Expression of TLR4 and MMP9 protein was determined by immunohistochemistry.
Results
There were increased levels of TLR4 and MMP9 expression in human AAA tissues. Compared with macrophages or SMCs, lymphocytes showed a higher positive rate of TLR4 and MMP9 staining, and an elevated ratio of high MMP9 expression (all P < 0.05). There existed a significant association between TLR4 and MMP9 expression (r = 0.767, P < 0.001), and both TLR4 and MMP9 levels were statistically related to circulating CRP. Moreover, TLR4 expression in situ indicated a positive correlation with its serum level (r = 0.654, P = 0.006). Multiple analysis revealed that high TLR4 expression in situ was associated with the risk of large AAA (OR = 6.211, 95%CI = 1.226–31.480, P = 0.027), while high MMP9 expression was correlated to the presence of thrombus within AAA (OR = 5.494, 95%CI = 1.181–25.562, P = 0.030), separately compared with their low expression.
Conclusions
This study confirmed the overexpression of TLR4 and MMP9 in human AAA tissues, and their close relationship implying in the pathogenesis of AAA. We further provided evidence that TLR4 had a potential effect on AAA size and MMP9 could influence the occurrence of thrombus within AAA.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province
Backbone Youth Support Project (Natural Science) of China Medical University
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Cited by
7 articles.
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