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Published on: July 17, 2018
Adiponectin predicts MMP-2 activity independently of obesity
Verónica Miksztowicz1, Nahuel Fernandez Machulsky, Diego Lucero
1Laboratory of Lipids and Atherosclerosis, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Institute of Physiopathology and Clinical Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Background:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP-2 and MMP-9, have been identified in atherosclerotic plaques and have been directly associated with plaque remodelling and vulnerability. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is related to insulin resistance (IR) and obesity, characterized by changes in plasma levels of inflammatory markers, such as adiponectin and C-reactive protein (CRP). Our aim was to evaluate the impact of both proteins on MMP-2 and MMP-9 behaviour in individuals with IR.
Materials And Methods:
Plasma MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, adiponectin and hs-CRP concentration and lipoprotein profile were determined in 52 patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) and 27 controls.
Results:
Patients with MS presented significantly higher MMP-2 activity than controls: 0·95 ± 0·12 vs. 0·77 ± 0·15 relative units (RU) (P < 0·001), while MMP-9 activity was not detectable. MMP-2 activity decreased across quartiles of adiponectin, being significantly reduced in individuals with the highest levels of adiponectin in compared with the lowest levels (0·75 ± 0·17 vs. 0·93 ± 0·09 RU, P < 0·005). This difference persisted significant after adjusting by obesity markers. MMP-2 activity was significantly increased in individuals with the highest levels (G3) compared with those with the lowest levels (G1) of hs-CRP (0·94 ± 0·12 vs. 0·86 ± 0·12, P = 0·041) CONCLUSION: In this study, we observed that adiponectin levels predicted MMP-2 plasma activity independently of obesity. This finding suggests that the inflammatory process, associated with the highest CVD risk, would be involved in MMPs vascular production.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity is elevated in metabolic syndrome and linked to inflammation. Adiponectin levels predict MMP-2 activity independently of obesity, suggesting inflammation
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Science
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly MMP-2 and MMP-9, are implicated in atherosclerotic plaque remodeling and vulnerability.
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is associated with insulin resistance (IR) and obesity, involving inflammatory markers like adiponectin and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of adiponectin and hs-CRP on MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in individuals with insulin resistance.
Main Methods:
- Assessed plasma MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, adiponectin, hs-CRP, and lipoprotein profiles in 52 metabolic syndrome (MS) patients and 27 controls.
Main Results:
- Metabolic syndrome patients showed significantly higher MMP-2 activity than controls; MMP-9 was undetectable.
- MMP-2 activity decreased with increasing adiponectin levels, even after adjusting for obesity.
- Elevated hs-CRP levels correlated with increased MMP-2 activity.
Conclusions:
- Adiponectin levels predict plasma MMP-2 activity independently of obesity in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
- The findings suggest that inflammatory processes contribute to MMPs' vascular production, a key factor in cardiovascular risk.

