| abstract |
The present invention is based on the finding that human atheroma-associated endothelial cells (EC), smooth muscle cells (SMC) and macrophages express insterstitial collagenase MMP-8 in vitro, as well as in atherosclerotic lesions in situ. Thus, the invention features methods of modulating the activity or expression of MMP-8 and methods of inhibiting collagen degradation, particularly type I collagen degradation. The invention also features methods of treating or preventing non-neutrophil-mediated inflammatory conditions, in particular cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis; methods of diagnosing and staging such conditions; and methods of evaluating the efficacy of a treatment for such conditions. Finally, the invention features methods of identifying agents that inhibit MMP-8 expression or activity, which can be used for the treatment of non-neutrophil-mediated inflammatory disorders. |