Researchers from University of Montreal provide details of new studies and findings in the area of aneurysm

   "Angiographic and pathologic changes were investigated in canine bilateral venous pouch carotid aneurysms embolized with gelatin sponges with or without previous endothelial denudation, a procedure that can prevent recanalization. To assess a potential role of MMP-9, messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were compared in denuded and nondenuded aneurysms 4, 7, and 14 days after embolization. To assess if MMP-9 is essential to arterial recanalization, transmyocardial angiography and pathologic findings were compared 14 days after carotid occlusion with platinum coils in MMP-9-knockout and wild-type mice. Denudation of the endothelial lining led to improved angiographic results at 3 weeks (P <.001). Neointimal closure of the aneurysm neck was more complete in denuded versus nondenuded aneurysms. Denudation was followed by a decrease in MMP-9 mRNA (86%, P<.05) and protein (30%, P<.05) 7 days after embolization and a decrease in von Willebrand factor compared with nondenuded aneurysms. MMP-9 immunostaining of axial sections from embolized aneurysms confirmed MMP-9-positive endothelialized clefts, which were absent in denuded aneurysms. Transmyocardial angiography and pathologic examination showed recanalization of one of nine coiled carotid arteries of MMP-9-knockout mice, compared with five of seven controls (P =.035)," wrote F. Bouzeghrane and colleagues, University of Montreal.

   The researchers concluded: "MMP-9 may play a role in recanalization of arteries after coil occlusion and in recurrences after sponge embolization of aneurysms."

   Bouzeghrane and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (Researchers from University of Montreal provide details of new studies and findings in the area of aneurysm. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 2007;18(10):1271-1279).

   For more information, contact J. Raymond, University of Montreal, Center Hospital, Notre Dame Hospital, Research Center, Intervent Neuroradiology Research Laboratory, 1560 Sherbrooke E, Suite M8203, Montreal, PQ H2L 4M1, Canada.

   Publisher contact information for the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology is: Elsevier Science Inc., 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010-1710, USA.

   Keywords: Canada, Montreal, Aneurysm, Angiogenesis, Angiography, Angiology, Cardiology, Embolization, Enzyme Research, Matrix Metalloproteinase, Metalloproteinases, Oncology, Proteins, Proteomics, Radiology, Therapy, Treatment, Tumor Vascularization, University of Montreal.

   This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.

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