Role of matricellular proteins in cardiac tissue remodeling after myocardial infarction

Figure 3 Possible role of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) in cardiac healing and remodeling after MI. Expression of TSP-1 works as a barrier that suppresses inflammatory chemokines and cytokines via its transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-activating effect, thereby preventing extension of the inflammatory process into the non-infarcted region. In addition, TSP-1 could affect maturation of the infarct scar through the activation of TGF-β1 and inhibition of MMP activity.