Basilar Artery Tortuosity Is Associated With White Matter Hyperintensities by TIMP-1

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Biology
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD), lacunar infarction (LI), and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) are cerebrovascular conditions.
• The imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) is a potential factor in these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between MMPs/TIMPs and VBD, LI, and WMH.
• To explore the role of MMP-TIMP imbalance in bridging these conditions.

Main Methods:

• 212 vertigo patients underwent multimodal MRI for VBD, LI, and WMH.
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) assessed vertebrobasilar arteries (VBAs).
• Serum MMP and TIMP levels were analyzed and correlated with neuroimaging findings.

Main Results:

• Higher MMP-9 levels and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in patients with VBA dilation and basilar artery elongation.
• Elevated TIMP-1 levels associated with basilar artery tortuosity and increased white matter hyperintensities.
• Positive correlation between basilar artery bending length and TIMP-1 levels.

Conclusions:

• MMP-9 and TIMP-1 show probable associations with arterial alterations in VBD and WMH.
• These findings may aid in future diagnosis and treatment strategies for vertigo patients with these conditions.