Cold wave-induced stroke: the roles of renin-angiotensin system and matrix metalloproteinase-9 / 国际脑血管病杂志

ABSTRACT

Epidemiological studies and clinical observations have indicated that cold temperature can trigger the occurrence of stroke in individuals at high risk.However,the underlying mechanisms are still unknown.Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been found to be associated with the formation,progression and rapture of atherosclerotic plaques and cerebral aneurysms,which is the pathological basis of stroke.Cold temperature activates renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in circulation and tissue.Angiotensin Ⅱ has been implicated in the inducing MMP-9 expression and activation.An increase of MMP-9 may facilitate destabilization and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques or cerebral aneurysms,resulting in the occurrence of stroke.