Valvular interstitial cells down regulate matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity and expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages: Potential impact on aortic valve stenosis pathophysiology

Abstract

Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) involves inflammation, excess deposition of collagen-rich extracellular matrix (ECM) and calcification. Recent studies have shown that M1 macrophages observed in stenosed valve promote calcification of valvular interstitial cells (VIC), the most prevalent cell type in aortic valve.