Abstract 9480: Contrasting Effects of Imidapril and Losartan on Matrix Metalloproteinase in Human Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized is characterized by the destruction of tissue architecture due to chronic inflammation. Emerging clinical evidence showed the effectiveness of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) on the prognosis of AAA more than angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB). We investigated the effects of an ACEI, imidapril and an ARB, losartan, on the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 in human and murine AAA tissues. Methods:Five specimens were obtained as a whole abdominal aortic tissue (from proximal margin to distal margin). A whole sample was categorized into three zone; zones of margin, middle, and maximum diameter. Whole tissues were cut into around one inch of pieces, and then characterized for the histological parameters. The activities of MMPs were detected on AAA tissues by in situ gelatin zymography. Results:The MMP activities were increased in middle zone compared with other zones. The in sizu gelatin zymograhy showed that MMP...