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Circulating matrix metalloproteinase 9 levels in relation to sampling methods, femoral and carotid atherosclerosis
F J Olson1, C Schmidt, A Gummesson
1Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular Research, Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. fredrik.olson@wlab.gu.se
Objectives:
To examine whether circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) were associated with ultrasound-assessed intima-media thickness (IMT) and echolucent plaques in the carotid and femoral arteries. To examine preanalytical sources of variability in MMP-9 concentrations related to sampling procedures.
Subjects And Design:
Plasma and serum MMP-9 levels were compared with ultrasound assessed measures of femoral and carotid atherosclerosis, in a cross-sectional study of 61-year-old men (n = 473). Preanalytical sources of variability in MMP-9 levels were examined in 10 healthy subjects. Main outcome measures were circulating levels of MMP-9 in serum and plasma, IMT of the carotid and femoral arteries, and plaque status based on size and echolucency.
Setting:
Research unit at university hospital.
Results:
Plasma concentrations of total and active MMP-9 were associated with femoral artery IMT independently of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and were higher in subjects with moderate to large femoral plaques. Plasma MMP-9 concentration was higher in men with echolucent femoral plaques (P = 0.006) compared with subjects without femoral plaques. No similar associations were found for carotid plaques. MMP-9 concentrations were higher in serum than in plasma, and higher when sampling was performed with Vacutainer than with syringe. MMP-9 levels in serum were more strongly associated with peripheral neutrophil count compared with MMP-9 levels in plasma.
Conclusions:
Plasma MMP-9 levels were associated with atherosclerosis in the femoral artery, and total MMP-9 concentration was higher in men with echolucent femoral plaques. The choice of sample material and sampling method affect the measurements of circulating MMP-9 levels.
Insights
Plasma matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) levels correlate with femoral artery atherosclerosis and echolucent plaques in men. Sampling methods significantly impact MMP-9 measurements, affecting study results.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biomarker Discovery
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is implicated in cardiovascular disease.
- Understanding MMP-9's role in atherosclerosis is crucial for risk assessment.
- Standardization of MMP-9 measurement is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between circulating MMP-9 levels and atherosclerosis.
- To assess MMP-9's relationship with intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque echolucency.
- To identify preanalytical factors influencing MMP-9 concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 473 men aged 61.
- Ultrasound assessment of carotid and femoral artery IMT and plaque characteristics.
- Measurement of serum and plasma MMP-9 levels.
- Analysis of preanalytical variability in 10 healthy subjects.
Main Results:
- Plasma MMP-9 associated with femoral IMT and echolucent plaques, independent of risk factors.
- No significant association found for carotid artery disease.
- Serum MMP-9 higher than plasma; Vacutainer collection higher than syringe.
- Serum MMP-9 showed stronger correlation with neutrophil count.
Conclusions:
- Plasma MMP-9 is a potential biomarker for femoral artery atherosclerosis and echolucent plaques.
- Preanalytical factors like sample type and collection method influence MMP-9 levels.
- Careful consideration of sampling procedures is essential for accurate MMP-9 assessment.
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