Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Narrative Review

Matrix metalloproteinases-8 (MMP-8), commonly known as neutrophil collagenase, is an MMP enzyme. MMPs break down extracellular matrix components, which support tissues. Skin, bones, and blood vessels contain collagen, which MMP-8 degrades. Researchers have linked higher MMP-8 levels to atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and heart failure (HF). MMP-8 damages the extracellular matrix in heart tissue and blood vessels, which can worsen cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) by altering the shape of artery walls, destabilizing plaques, and changing the shape of ventricles. MMP-8 breaks down collagen in the fibrous cap of atherosclerotic plaques, weakening it and increasing the likelihood of plaque rupture, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke. MMP-8 activity accelerates ventricular remodeling in heart failure, impairing cardiac function. MMP-8's role in CVDs is complex. Certain research suggests that MMP-8 may assist in the repair of injured tissue. How MMP-8 activity impacts CVDs overall depends on the efficiency of MMP-8 and its tissue inhibitors, or TIMPs, working together. MMP-8 inhibitors may reduce matrix breakdown and tissue damage in CVDs. MMP-8's importance in CVDs and its therapeutic potential requires further investigation. A trained healthcare professional should diagnose and treat CVDs and other medical conditions.