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Increased plasma activity of metalloproteinase 2 in women with metabolic syndrome

Verónica Miksztowicz1, Maria Luz Muzzio, Monique Royer

  • 1Laboratory of Lipids and Lipoproteins, Physiopathology and Clinical Biochemistry Institute, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|October 23, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is linked to increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity. This finding suggests MMP-2 may play a role in the early stages of cardiovascular disease in women with MetS.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular disease research
  • Biomarkers in metabolic disorders

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in vascular remodeling and cardiovascular disease pathogenesis.
  • Elevated MMPs are observed in atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
  • MMPs have not been previously evaluated in the context of metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate plasma activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in women with and without MetS.
  • To explore correlations between MMP activity and metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, dense low-density lipoprotein, and insulin resistance markers were measured.
  • A cohort of 38 non-diabetic women, with (n=19) and without (n=19) MetS, was studied.

Main Results:

  • Women with MetS exhibited significantly higher plasma MMP-2 activity compared to controls (P = .001).
  • MMP-2 activity positively correlated with waist circumference, homeostasis model assessment, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, apolipoprotein B, dense LDL, and TG/HDL-C index.
  • MMP-2 activity showed a negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < .002).

Conclusions:

  • Increased plasma MMP-2 activity in women with MetS suggests its involvement in early cardiovascular disease stages.
  • Measurement of soluble molecules like MMP-2 may enhance cardiovascular disease risk assessment, early diagnosis, and prognosis.

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