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Increased MMP-2 in healthy postmenopausal women

María Luz Muzzio1, Veronica Miksztowicz, Esteban Martín Repetto

  • 1Laboratory of Lipids and Lipoproteins, Physiopathology and Clinical Biochemistry Institute, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Junin 956 (1113), Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Annals of Clinical Biochemistry
|October 6, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Postmenopausal women show increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity, a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. This elevation in MMP-2 activity is linked to inflammatory factors and metabolic changes, suggesting a role in the atherogenesis process.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular research
  • Biomarkers of atherosclerosis
  • Menopause-related health

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9) are implicated in atherosclerosis.
  • Postmenopausal women (PMW) serve as a model for subclinical atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in healthy PMW.
  • To assess other circulating inflammatory factors in PMW.
  • To understand subclinical atherosclerosis markers in postmenopause.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma samples from 23 PMW and 13 premenopausal women (PreMW) were analyzed.
  • Measurements included lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecules (sVCAM-1), and MMP activity via zymography.

Main Results:

  • MMP-2 activity was significantly higher in PMW compared to PreMW (P < 0.02).
  • MMP-2 levels correlated with HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, hs-CRP, HOMA-IR, and waist circumference (P < 0.02).
  • sVCAM-1 showed no group difference but correlated with MMP-2 and hs-CRP (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Increased MMP-2 activity in postmenopause indicates a systemic inflammatory process.
  • This process is associated with atherogenesis.
  • MMP-2 may be a key biomarker in subclinical atherosclerosis development during postmenopause.

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