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Serum matrix metalloproteinase-8 concentrations are associated with cardiovascular outcome in men

Anita M Tuomainen1, Kristiina Nyyssönen, Jari A Laukkanen

  • 1Institute of Dentistry, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, P.O.Box 63, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland. anita.tuomainen@helsinki.fi

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
|October 13, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Elevated matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) levels in the blood are linked to atherosclerosis and worse cardiovascular disease outcomes. Higher MMP-8 concentrations predict increased risk of heart attack and death from cardiovascular causes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry
  • Biomarkers

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) is implicated in atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability.
  • Previous studies on serum MMP-8 and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk are limited and conflicting.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum MMP-8 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) concentrations and the risk of CVD or subclinical atherosclerosis.
  • To determine the predictive value of MMP-8 for cardiovascular events.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of serum MMP-8 and TIMP-1 concentrations in 1018 men over a 10-year follow-up.
  • Assessment of associations between biomarker levels and prevalent CVD, subclinical atherosclerosis, and incident cardiovascular events.

Main Results:

  • Men with prevalent CVD or subclinical atherosclerosis had higher serum MMP-8 concentrations and MMP-8/TIMP-1 ratios.
  • Elevated MMP-8 levels independently predicted increased risk of myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease death, and all-cause mortality.
  • In men with subclinical atherosclerosis, higher MMP-8 predicted CVD death (RR 3.03).
  • TIMP-1 alone showed no predictive value.

Conclusions:

  • Serum MMP-8 concentrations are elevated in individuals with atherosclerosis.
  • Elevated MMP-8 is associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
  • MMP-8 shows potential as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk stratification.

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