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Published on: May 10, 2024
MMP-9 in serum correlates with the development of pulmonary complications in experimental acute pancreatitis
1Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Introduction:
The prediction of the course of acute pancreatitis and its arising complications is of clinical importance. The aim of this study was to judge the time course and relevance of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a PMN-derived protease, for the development of pulmonary complications in two models of acute pancreatitis.
Methods:
MMP-9 was evaluated in a standardized experimental model of acute pancreatitis. Mild edematous (n = 12) and severe necrotizing pancreatitis (n = 48) were induced by intravenous cerulein or intravenous cerulein and intraductal application of glycodeoxycholic acid and compared to control animals. 1, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 72 h after induction, rats were sacrificed and damage to the lung and the pancreas was quantified by histology and extravasation of Evans blue. At 1, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 72 h, we determined MMP-9 in serum by ELISA.
Results:
In our model, MMP-9 in serum was increased in the group with severe acute pancreatitis in comparison to mild edematous pancreatitis and controls at each evaluated time point (p < 0.05). The maximum release of MMP-9 preceded the development of pulmonary complications, verified by histology and extravasation of Evans blue. MMP-9 showed a negative predictive value of 96.2% and a positive predictive value of 100% for the development of pulmonary complications.
Conclusion:
MMP-9 in serum allows a valid grouping to severe and mild courses of experimental acute pancreatitis with a good predictive value for the development of pulmonary complications. MMP-9 should be evaluated as a valid single marker for the prediction of progression and the development of pulmonary complications in acute pancreatitis in clinical studies.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels in serum can predict severe acute pancreatitis and pulmonary complications. Elevated MMP-9 accurately forecasts the development of lung issues in pancreatitis patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Pulmonology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Predicting acute pancreatitis severity and complications is crucial for patient management.
- Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a protease from neutrophils, is implicated in inflammatory processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the time course and predictive relevance of MMP-9 for pulmonary complications in experimental acute pancreatitis models.
- To differentiate between mild and severe pancreatitis courses using MMP-9 levels.
Main Methods:
- Two models of acute pancreatitis (mild edematous and severe necrotizing) were induced in rats.
- Serum MMP-9 levels were measured by ELISA at multiple time points post-induction.
- Pancreatic and lung damage were histologically assessed, and lung vascular permeability was evaluated using Evans blue extravasation.
Main Results:
- Serum MMP-9 was significantly elevated in severe pancreatitis compared to mild pancreatitis and controls.
- The peak MMP-9 levels preceded the onset of pulmonary complications.
- MMP-9 demonstrated a high positive (100%) and negative (96.2%) predictive value for pulmonary complications.
Conclusions:
- Serum MMP-9 is a reliable indicator for classifying the severity of experimental acute pancreatitis.
- MMP-9 shows strong predictive value for the development of pulmonary complications.
- Further clinical studies are warranted to validate MMP-9 as a single marker for predicting acute pancreatitis progression and associated lung issues.
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Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
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Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
