Contribution of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Diseases Complicated by Obesity

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the world’s main causes of mortality. The role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as markers of CVD complications has been actively discussed in recent years. It has been proven that a high level of MMPs contributes to the development of unstable plaque, aggravating a patient’s prognosis. Being an independent risk factor, obesity also results in complications of cardiovascular diseases. Studies on the effect an increase in the body mass index and adipose tissue hormones on the level of MMPs have begun to appear. Results from clinical and experimental studies over the last 5 years devoted to studying matrix metalloproteinases are presented here. The role of MMPs in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is reflected. MMPs are considered biomarkers of the development of adverse cardiovascular events. Results from studies on the effect obesity has on the level of MMPs are also presented here. A search was performed for articles in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Elibrary databases for the period from 2018 to 2023 using the keywords metalloproteinases and atherosclerosis, metalloproteinases and obesity, and the connection between atherosclerosis and obesity separately for each type of MMP.