Angiotensin II induces extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer expression via an AT1R dependent pathway in aortic atherosclerotic plaque in apolipoprotein E knockout mice

The pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome is rupture of vulnerable plaque. Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) is reported to have a important role in the destabilization of atheroma. Objectives: this investigation examined the effect of angiotensin II (Ang II) on EMMPRIN expression in atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE knockout mice. Methods: ApoE knockout mice were fed a high fat diet to establish an atherosclerosis model then intervention was made with Ang II and valsartan. EMMPRIN gene and its protein expression were measured by real-time PCR immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. Results: EMMPRIN gene and protein expression intervened with Ang II were significantly increased; valsartan could inhibit the effect of Ang II. Conclusion: Ang II up-regulated EMMPRIN expression in atherosclerotic plaque via AT1R, and valsartan could inhibit the effect of Ang II.