Shear stress-induced MMP1 and PDE2A expressions in coronary atherosclerosis.

AIM Biomechanical stress plays an essential role in coronary atherosclerosis (CAS), however, inter-relations between mechanical conditions and gene expressions remain unclear. METHODS We constructed finite element model of CAS to map human wall shear stress (WSS). Biopsy aortic tissue samples were obtained from 3 CAS patients. Gene expression pattern in CAS was analyzed by GEO datasets. Immunofluorescence staining and western blot confirmed protein expression and localization. RESULTS Peak WSS was significantly increased in the vessel stenosis of CAS at 0.25 s (mean 55.1 Pa). Analyses results of GSE76275 showed matrix metalloproteinases1 (MMP1) and phosphodiesterase-2A (PDE2A) up-regulation in endothelial shear responsiveness, which was further validated and localized in vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and other cells by double immunofluorescence staining. Western blotting assay demonstrated up-regulation of MMP1 and PDE2A expression dependent on the WSS. CONCLUSIONS MMP1 and PDE2A up-regulations rely on increased WSS in development and risk of CAS, suggesting that their elevation may be potential target for diagnosis and treatment (Fig. 3, Ref. 28).