Preexisting High Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 in Tunica Media of Saphenous Vein Conduits Is Associated with Unfavorable Long-Term Outcomes after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Figure 3
The last follow-up coronary angiography (Figure 3(a)) in the SVGD (−) patient revealed the SV graft without any changes. In immunohistochemistry, a tissue expression of MMP-2 (Figure 3(b)) was markedly weaker (IRS scale 1) than either TIMP-2 (Figure 3(c)) (IRS scale 8) or TIMP-3 (Figure 3(d)) (IRS scale 6). Abbreviations: L = lumen of the graft, SV = saphenous vein.
