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Figure 2 C-reactive protein (CRP) increases endothelial matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and -10 protein in a concentration and time-dependent manner. (A) Matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -10 dose response after incubation with CRP (10 to 100 µg/ml) for 12 h. (B) Time course of MMP-1 and -10 secretion in conditioned medium after incubation with CRP (50 µg/ml) for 24 h. (C) C-reactive protein-induced (50 µg/ml) global MMP activity assessed by fluorogenic substrates. (D) Representative Western blot of MMP-1 and -10 and densitometric analysis corresponding to increased active form/zymogen ratio of MMP-1 and -10 after CRP (50 µg/ml) stimulation. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n = 4). *p < 0.05 compared with control. RFU = relative fluorescent unit.