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Simvastatin could prevent increase of the serum MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in acute ischaemic stroke

J Kurzepa1, A Szczepanska-Szerej, M Stryjecka-Zimmer

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland. kurzepa@onet.pl

Folia Biologica
|December 23, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is crucial in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Simvastatin treatment may influence the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio, a marker of stroke progression.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is implicated in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) pathogenesis and hemorrhagic transformation.
  • The MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio is a potential biomarker for AIS progression.
  • HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, such as simvastatin, are used to manage cardiovascular risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels in AIS patients.
  • To investigate the effect of simvastatin on the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in AIS.

Main Methods:

  • Fifty AIS patients were enrolled and randomized into two groups.
  • Group I (N=25) received simvastatin (40 mg/day) within 24 hours of stroke onset.
  • Group II (N=25) did not receive statin treatment.
  • Serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels were quantified using the ELISA method on day 7 post-stroke.

Main Results:

  • Serum MMP-9 levels significantly increased by day 7 in both groups.
  • Serum TIMP-1 levels showed a non-significant increase by day 7 in both groups.
  • The MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was elevated by day 7, with statistical significance observed only in the non-statin group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Early simvastatin administration (within 24 hours) may influence the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in AIS.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of simvastatin in modulating MMP-9/TIMP-1 dynamics during AIS.

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