Adiponectin inhibits oxidized low density lipoprotein-induced increase in matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells

Background: high expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (mmp9) during vascular injuryand inflammation plays an important role in atherosclerotic plaque formation and rupture. inthe process of atherosclerosis, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxldl) upregulates mmp9 inhuman aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (ha/vsmcs). adiponectin is an adipose tissuederivedhormone that has been shown to exert anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory effects.the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adiponectin on mmp9 expression underpathogenic condition created by oxldl in ha/vsmcs.methods: in this experimental study, ha/vsmc were stimulated with oxldl alone and in thepresence of adiponectin for 24 and 48 h. the expression of mmp9 gene was determined by realtimepolymerase chain reaction method. the protein level of this gene was investigated bywestern blotting technique.results: an oxldl increased mmp9 expression 2.16 ± 0.24- and 3.32 ± 0.25-fold after 24 and48 h, respectively and adiponectin decreased oxldl-induced mmp9 expression in a timedependentmanner.conclusion: these results show that adiponectin changes extracellular matrix by reducingmmp9 mrna and protein, therefore, may stabilize lesions and reduce atheroma rupture.