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Serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 concentration in angiographically assessed coronary artery disease
1Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Tampere Medical School, Finland.
Abstract:
Expression of several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in atherosclerotic plaques has been well documented, and there are findings to indicate that arterial inflammation is reflected in increased serum concentration of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). In coronary atherosclerosis, there is enhanced expression of this MMP, which may be predictive of the severity of the disease. We determined the concentrations of serum MMP-9 in 61 patients (47 males, 14 females) who had >50% obstruction in one or more coronary arteries as assessed by coronary angiography before bypass surgery. In a control group of 19 patients (9 males, 10 females) there were no pathological findings in coronary angiography. ANOVA showed that serum MMP-9 concentrations were highest in patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) (57.3+/-39.1 microg/L, p=0.011). The difference remained statistically significant after adjustment for age, diabetes and sex (p=0.025, ANCOVA). When the groups were compared with each other, serum MMP-9 concentration was higher in the patients with 3-vessel CAD than in those with 1- or 2-vessel CAD (40.4+/-25.1 microg/L, p=0.044) or in the controls (32.2+/- 16.1 microg/L, p=0.007). These results show that serum MMP-9 is elevated in patients with severe coronary stenosis compared with controls. Since MMP-9 has been suggested to reflect inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques, it may be useful in the evaluation of the severity of cardiovascular disease.
Insights
Serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels are elevated in patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD). This finding suggests MMP-9 may help evaluate cardiovascular disease severity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Biochemistry
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), are implicated in atherosclerotic plaque development.
- Arterial inflammation, a key component of atherosclerosis, is associated with elevated serum MMP-9 concentrations.
- Enhanced MMP-9 expression in coronary atherosclerosis may predict disease severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine serum MMP-9 concentrations in patients with varying degrees of coronary artery disease (CAD).
- To investigate the correlation between serum MMP-9 levels and the severity of coronary stenosis.
- To assess the potential of serum MMP-9 as a biomarker for cardiovascular disease severity.
Main Methods:
- Serum MMP-9 concentrations were measured in 61 patients with significant coronary artery obstruction (>50%) prior to bypass surgery.
- A control group of 19 individuals with normal coronary angiography findings was included for comparison.
- Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and ANCOVA, were used to compare MMP-9 levels across different patient groups, adjusting for covariates.
Main Results:
- Serum MMP-9 concentrations were significantly highest in patients with 3-vessel CAD compared to those with 1- or 2-vessel CAD and controls.
- The elevated MMP-9 levels in 3-vessel CAD patients remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, diabetes, and sex.
- A clear trend of increasing serum MMP-9 concentration with increasing severity of coronary artery disease was observed.
Conclusions:
- Serum MMP-9 is elevated in patients with severe coronary stenosis.
- MMP-9 may serve as a valuable indicator of inflammation within atherosclerotic plaques.
- Serum MMP-9 has potential utility in assessing the severity of cardiovascular disease.