Circulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 is associated with cardiovascular risk factors in a middle-aged normal
Peter Garvin1, Lennart Nilsson, John Carstensen
1Division of Community Medicine, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. peter.garvin@ihs.liu.se
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels correlate with cardiovascular risk factors in individuals without symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD). These findings highlight MMP-9 as a potential biomarker for early cardiovascular risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biomarkers
- Proteomics
Background:
- Elevated matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is linked to established coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Investigating MMP-9 in asymptomatic individuals is crucial for understanding early cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is a known CVD risk marker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels in a population without symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD).
- To investigate the association between MMP-9 levels and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors.
- To explore the relationship between MMP-9 and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 345 individuals aged 45-69.
- Measurement of MMP-9 in EDTA-plasma via ELISA.
- Assessment of CV risk factors through questionnaires and laboratory methods.
Main Results:
- Plasma MMP-9 was detected in all participants (mean 38.9 ng/mL).
- MMP-9 levels positively correlated with the total load of CV risk factors (p<0.001), independent of CRP.
- Elevated MMP-9 was independently associated with systolic blood pressure, smoking, alcohol intake, and CRP (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- In individuals without symptomatic CAD, MMP-9 levels are associated with overall cardiovascular risk.
- MMP-9 is linked to specific risk factors including blood pressure, smoking, alcohol, and CRP.
- MMP-9 may serve as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic populations.
Background:
Elevated levels of circulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) have been demonstrated in patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to analyse levels of MMP-9 in a population free from symptomatic CAD and investigate their associations with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, including C-reactive protein (CRP).
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was performed in a population based random sample aged 45-69 (n = 345, 50% women). MMP-9 levels were measured in EDTA-plasma using an ELISA-method. CV risk factors were measured using questionnaires and standard laboratory methods.
Results:
Plasma MMP-9 was detectable in all participants, mean 38.9 ng/mL (SD 22.1 ng/mL). Among individuals without reported symptomatic CAD a positive association (p<0.001) was seen, for both men and women, of MMP-9 levels regarding total risk load of eight CV risk factors i.e. blood pressure, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake. The association was significant also after adjustment for CRP, and was not driven by a single risk factor alone. In regression models adjusted for age, sex, smoking, alcohol intake and CRP, elevated MMP-9 levels were independently positively associated with systolic blood pressure (p = 0.037), smoking (p<0.001), alcohol intake (p = 0.003) and CRP (p<0.001). The correlation coefficient between MMP-9 and CRP was r = 0.24 (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
In a population without reported symptomatic CAD, MMP-9 levels were associated with total CV risk load as well as with single risk factors. This was found also after adjustment for CRP.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM
A...
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...