Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) play a complex role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We compared (1) the histopathological findings in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and aortoiliac occlusive disease (AOD); (2) the expression of MMP-2/MMP-9 and TIMP-1/TIMP-2 in aortic layers, inflammatory cells and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), aiming to identify the common underlying pathogenic mechanisms of the disease development. Samples were obtained from 30 patients with AAA and 30 with AOD. Aortic histology and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate inflammatory changes and MMP and TIMP expression. Thrombosis and ulceration were more frequent in AOD than in AAA. The MMP-9 expression was elevated in all aortic layers of AAA patients and in media/adventitia of AOD patients, mainly followed by lower expression of its inhibitor TIMP-1. Higher MMP-9 expression was also found in SMCs and macrophages of both AAA and AOD specimens, while higher TIMP-1/TIMP-2 were predominantly observed in the lymphocytes and macrophages of the aneurysm. These results showed that both conditions exhibited increased MMP-9 expression; however, the MMP expression pattern differed to some degree between the aneurysms and occlusive disease. The variations in molecular mechanisms underlying dilatative/stenosing disease warrant further investigation.

Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Serbian Clinical Centre; University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia

Department of Cardiology University Clinical Hospital Centre Bezanijska kosa ; University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia

Department of Clinical Pathology; University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska Banja Luka Bosnia and Herzegovina

Department of Vascular Surgery; University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska Banja Luka Bosnia and Herzegovina

Institute of Pathology School of Dental Medicine University Clinical Hospital Centre Bezanijska kosa ; University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia

Institute of Pathology School of Medicine University Clinical Hospital Centre Bezanijska kosa ; University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia

Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Endocrinology Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences University Clinical Hospital Centre Bezanijska kosa ; University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia

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