Roles of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Tissue Inhibitors in Ventricular Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction

Ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction is the main reason of congestive heart failure,and the reconstruction of extracellular matrix is one of the most important molecular mechanisms.Matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) are an important proteinase system to hydrolyze the components of extracellular matrix.Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases(TIMPs) are specific endogenous MMP inhibitors.The imbalance of MMPs and TIMPs is an important regulator of collagen network remodeling after myocardial infarction.The research progresses in the roles of MMPs and TIMPs in ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction and the anti-remodeling therapy with MMP inhibitors are reviewed.