High glucose alters matrix metalloproteinase expression in two key vascular cells: potential impact on atherosclerosis in diabetes

Diabetes is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Hyperglycemia is an underlying contributing factor; however, the mechanisms that mediate the vascular complications are not yet fully understood. In the present study, we provide evidence that elevated glucose induces discordant matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression from two key vascular cells, endothelial cells and macrophages. Our results clearly indicate that high glucose (25 mM) induced endothelial cell expression and activity of the collagenase, MMP-1 and the gelatinase, MMP-2, whilst reducing expression of the stromelysin, MMP-3 (P