What makes plaques vulnerable in CKD?: a fresh look at metalloproteinases

Coll et al. show that across the spectrum of chronic kidney disease (CKD), atherosclerosis severity is correlated with metalloproteinase-10 (MMP-10) levels. This suggests that the reduced fibrous content in atherosclerotic plaques may result partly from high MMP-10. Future studies should look at the association of MMPs (and their inhibitors) with the inflammatory component of atherosclerosis, and with stable and unstable atherosclerotic lesions