Extracellular Matrix Proteins of the Vessel Wall: Are they Possible Markers of Atherosclerotic Processes?

Some of the main functions of the arterial wall are fulfilled by the extracellular matrix of this tissue: tensile strength and elasticity to withstand the pulsating blood stream and filtration functions in regulating the transport between blood and tissues. This extracellular matrix is composed of a variety of different macromolecular components. They can be grouped into several chemically defined classes such as collagens and proteoglycans (Table 1).