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Postconditioning with Lactate-enriched Blood for Cardioprotection in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
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Alteplase treatment affects circulating matrix metalloproteinase concentrations in patients with ST segment elevation

Dimitrios N Tziakas1, Georgios K Chalikias, Eleni I Hatzinikolaou

  • 1University Cardiology Clinic, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece. dtziakas@med.duth.gr

Thrombosis Research
|August 30, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Further research is needed to determine if this impacts plaque instability.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in atherosclerotic plaque instability.
  • MMPs can degrade the fibrous cap, leading to plaque disruption and acute coronary syndromes.
  • Serine proteases activate MMPs, potentially contributing to plaque events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) on serum levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Main Methods:

  • 108 STEMI patients were recruited, with 84 receiving rtPA thrombolysis and 24 not.
  • Serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were measured at baseline, 24 hours, and 72 hours post-admission.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for MMP level assessment.

Main Results:

  • Patients receiving thrombolysis exhibited significantly higher MMP-9 levels compared to the non-thrombolysis group (p < 0.001).
  • Thrombolysis treatment significantly influenced the change in MMP-9 levels over the 72-hour study period (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Thrombolysis with rtPA can alter circulating MMP-9 levels in STEMI patients.
  • The clinical significance of these altered MMP-9 levels regarding plaque instability requires further investigation.

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