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Published on: August 24, 2019

The prominent expression of plasma matrix metalloproteinase-8 in acute thoracic aortic dissection

Yun Li1, Ai-Zhong Shao, Hai-Tao Jiang

  • 1Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.

The Journal of Surgical Research
|August 17, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Elevated matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) levels are linked to acute thoracic aortic dissection (TAD). This finding suggests MMP-8 may be a diagnostic marker for TAD and involved in its inflammatory process.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Biochemistry
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • While elastolytic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known players in thoracic aortic dissection (TAD), the role of collagenolytic MMPs remains unclear.
  • This study investigates the specific role of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in the context of acute thoracic aortic dissection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the role of MMP-8 in acute thoracic aortic dissection (TAD).
  • To assess plasma levels of MMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-13 in TAD patients and compare them to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients and healthy individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma samples from 45 TAD patients, 40 AMI patients, and healthy controls were analyzed for MMP-1, -8, and -13 levels using ELISA.
  • Aortic tissue samples from TAD patients were examined for MMP-8 and TIMP-1 expression via Western blot.

Main Results:

  • Plasma MMP-8 levels were significantly elevated in both TAD and AMI patients compared to healthy subjects (P = 0.000 for TAD vs. healthy).
  • No significant differences were observed in plasma MMP-1 and MMP-13 levels among the three groups.
  • Aortic tissue analysis provided further insights into MMP-8 expression in TAD.

Conclusions:

  • The acute phase of TAD is associated with a significant increase in plasma MMP-8 levels.
  • MMP-8 may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of TAD, potentially through its involvement in acute inflammatory responses.
  • Elevated MMP-8 levels could serve as a valuable diagnostic marker for acute TAD.

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