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Updated: Aug 22, 2026
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Published on: December 6, 2016
Increased levels and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Toshiyuki Tazaki1, Kenji Minoguchi, Takuya Yokoe
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Showa University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan.
Abstract:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. We examined serum levels of MMP-9 and its inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), activity of MMP-9, and the effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). After polysomnography, venous blood was collected at 5:00 A.M. from 44 patients with OSAS and 18 control subjects who were obese, and serum levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and enzymatic activity of MMP-9 were measured. In addition, the effects of 1 month of treatment with nCPAP were studied in patients with moderate to severe OSAS. Although serum levels of MMP-9 (p < 0.03) and MMP-9 activity (p < 0.01) were higher in patients with OSAS than in control subjects who were obese, TIMP-1 levels did not differ significantly. In patients with OSAS, the severity of OSAS was the primary factor influencing levels (p < 0.01) and activity (p < 0.01) of MMP-9. nCPAP significantly decreased serum levels (p < 0.01) and activity (p < 0.001) of MMP-9 but did not affect TIMP-1 levels. Therefore, OSAS may increase risks of cardiovascular morbidity, and nCPAP might be useful for decreasing these risks.
Insights
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) elevates matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) linked to cardiovascular risks. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) treatment significantly reduced MMP-9 levels and activity in OSAS patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly MMP-9, play a role in cardiovascular disease development.
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum levels and activity of MMP-9 and its inhibitor TIMP-1 in patients with OSAS.
- To assess the impact of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) on MMP-9 markers in OSAS patients.
Main Methods:
- Polysomnography was used to diagnose and assess OSAS severity.
- Serum MMP-9, TIMP-1 levels, and MMP-9 activity were measured in 44 OSAS patients and 18 obese controls.
- The effect of 1-month nCPAP treatment was evaluated in moderate to severe OSAS patients.
Main Results:
- OSAS patients exhibited higher serum MMP-9 levels and activity compared to obese controls.
- OSAS severity correlated significantly with elevated MMP-9 levels and activity.
- nCPAP treatment led to a significant reduction in both MMP-9 levels and activity, without affecting TIMP-1.
Conclusions:
- OSAS is associated with increased MMP-9, potentially contributing to cardiovascular risks.
- nCPAP therapy may mitigate these cardiovascular risks by reducing MMP-9 levels and activity in OSAS patients.
