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Changes in matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels during progression of atrial fibrillation
Mingjiang Li1, Guokang Yang, Bin Xie
1Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
Objectives:
To observe levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and evaluate their significance in various stages of idiopathic atrial fibrillation (AF).
Methods:
Patients with idiopathic AF were recruited into this prospective study and classified into one of three groups according to stage of disease progression: paroxysmal AF; persistent AF; permanent AF. Healthy individuals were enrolled as control subjects. Serum levels of MMP-9 in all four groups were determined using a double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results:
Each AF group included 25 patients; 40 healthy individuals were included as controls. MMP-9 levels in the three AF groups were significantly higher than in the control group: 168.72 ± 25.970, 201.36 ± 31.26 and 253.20 ± 22.99 ng/ml for the paroxysmal, persistent and permanent AF groups respectively, versus 76.80 ± 14.90 ng/ml for the control group. MMP-9 levels increased with idiopathic AF disease progression (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
An elevated MMP-9 level appears to be associated with a diagnosis of AF. MMP-9 levels appear to increase in relation to the stage of idiopathic AF progression.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 levels are elevated in patients with idiopathic atrial fibrillation (AF). MMP-9 levels increase with the progression of AF, suggesting its role in the disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Idiopathic atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex arrhythmia.
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in tissue remodeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in patients with idiopathic atrial fibrillation (AF).
- To evaluate the association between MMP-9 levels and the progression of idiopathic AF.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving patients with paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent idiopathic AF, and healthy controls.
- Serum MMP-9 levels were quantified using a double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Main Results:
- Serum MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in all idiopathic AF groups compared to controls.
- MMP-9 levels demonstrated a progressive increase across paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent AF stages.
- A statistically significant correlation was observed between elevated MMP-9 levels and idiopathic AF progression (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum MMP-9 levels are associated with the presence of idiopathic AF.
- MMP-9 levels correlate with the stage of idiopathic AF progression, indicating a potential role in disease advancement.
