Matrix metalloproteinase expression in vein grafts: role of inflammatory mediators and extracellular signal-regulated kinases-1 and -2.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play key roles in vascular remodeling. We characterized the role of inflammatory mediators and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in the control of arterialized vein graft expression of MMP-9, MMP-2, and membrane-type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP) and of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2). For this purpose we used a canine model of jugular vein to carotid artery interposition graft and analyzed the vein grafts at various postoperative times (30 min to 28 days) using the contralateral vein as a control.