Role of matrix metalloproteinase-10 after hindlimb ischemia

Abstract

The main finding of the thesis is that matrix metalloproteinase-10 (MMP-10) is neccesary for skeletal muscle repair after hypoxia, as the absence of MMP-10 results in delayed reperfusion, increased necrosis and inflammation during the degenerative phase, which is associated later with delayed vessel regression and myocyte regeneration. We propose the regulation of the chemokine Cxcl1 by MMP-10 as one of the possible mechanisms involved in the delayed regeneration present in Mmp10-/- mice. This study underscores, for the first time, the relevance of MMP-10 after ischemia as a new pathophysiological mechanism in diseases characterized by a shortage of oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skeletal muscle such as peripheral arterial disease.