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Increase in plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 in acute stroke patients with thrombolysis failure
Ji Hoe Heo1, Seo Hyun Kim, Kyung Yul Lee
1Department of Neurology, Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. jhheo@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr
Background And Purpose:
Platelet-rich thrombi are resistant to thrombolytics. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may be involved in platelet aggregation and contribute to thrombolysis failure in stroke patients.
Methods:
Plasma samples from 23 stroke patients who had received thrombolytics and from 47 healthy volunteers were examined for MMP-2 and MMP-9 by both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and zymography.
Results:
The arteries were recanalized in 15 patients but not in the other 8. The MMP-9 plasma level was significantly higher in patients whose arteries were not recanalized.
Conclusions:
MMP-9 may be associated with the formation of a thrombolytics-resistant thrombus.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may hinder clot breakdown. Higher levels of MMP-9 were found in stroke patients resistant to thrombolytic therapy, suggesting a role in treatment failure.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Platelet-rich thrombi present resistance to thrombolytic treatments.
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in platelet aggregation.
- MMPs may contribute to thrombolysis failure in stroke patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in stroke patients undergoing thrombolytic therapy.
- To determine if MMP levels correlate with thrombolysis resistance.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples analyzed from 23 stroke patients and 47 healthy volunteers.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and zymography used to quantify MMP-2 and MMP-9.
- Comparison of MMP levels in patients with successful versus failed recanalization.
Main Results:
- Arterial recanalization was achieved in 15 out of 23 stroke patients.
- Significantly higher plasma levels of MMP-9 were observed in patients with non-recanalized arteries.
- No significant difference in MMP-2 levels was noted between groups.
Conclusions:
- Elevated MMP-9 plasma levels are associated with thrombolysis resistance in stroke.
- MMP-9 may play a role in the formation of thrombi resistant to pharmacological treatment.
- Further research is warranted to explore MMP-9 as a therapeutic target.