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Gender specific associations between matrix metalloproteinases and inflammatory markers in post myocardial infarction

Ann Samnegård1, Johannes Hulthe, Angela Silveira

  • 1Atherosclerosis Research Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. ann.samnegard@ki.se

Atherosclerosis
|July 16, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals distinct associations between inflammatory markers and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in men and women following myocardial infarction (MI). These findings suggest gender-specific differences in the underlying pathophysiology of MI.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Atherothrombotic disease causing myocardial infarction (MI) involves plaque rupture or endothelial erosion, with differing prevalence in men and women.
  • Inflammation and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play crucial roles in MI pathogenesis, but their interaction is not fully understood.
  • Investigating gender-specific differences in these interactions is vital for understanding MI pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between inflammatory markers and MMPs in male and female patients post-myocardial infarction (MI).
  • To explore potential gender-specific patterns in the relationship between inflammation and MMPs in the context of coronary artery disease.

Main Methods:

  • Blood samples were collected 3 months after a first MI from 387 patients and 387 matched controls.
  • Measured inflammatory markers included C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1).
  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -1, -3, and -9 were quantified; coronary angiography assessed disease severity in patients.

Main Results:

  • Patients exhibited higher levels of CRP, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, and TNF-alpha, and lower levels of MMP-3 and MMP-9 compared to controls.
  • Women showed a higher prevalence of 0-vessel disease (49%) than men (16%).
  • Gender-specific associations were observed: in women, IL-6, IL-18, and MCP-1 correlated with MMP-3; in men, CRP, IL-6, and IL-8 correlated with MMP-9.

Conclusions:

  • The study identified distinct patterns of association between inflammatory markers and MMPs in men and women post-MI.
  • These findings support the hypothesis of gender-specific pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to myocardial infarction.
  • Understanding these differences may lead to more targeted therapeutic strategies for MI.
Abstract

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