Expressions of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases after Bare and Magnetic Stent Implantation in Rabbits

Objective We aimed to investigate whether magnetic stent has preventive effect on in-stent restenosis by observing expressions of MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1 and TIMP2 after balloon angioplasty, bare and magnetic stent implantation in rabbits. Methods Rabbits underwent balloon angioplasty, bare and magnetic stent implantation in the left iliac arteries. The changes of MMPs and TIMPs were examined at various time points in the injured arteries using the methods of zymography, Western blot analysis, reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and morphometric analysis. Results Balloon angioplasty group (BA) and magnetic stent group (MS) showed lower intrinsic gelatinolytic activity and higher expression of TIMPs with less intimae hyperplasia;Whereas bare stent group (BS) exhibited higher intrinsic gelatinolytic activity and lower expression of TIMPs with significant intimae hyperplasia. Conclusion Magnetic stent probably has preventive effect on in-stent restenosis by changing intrinsic matrix metalloproteinases activity and expression of TIMPs.