Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Is Associated With Depression After Acute Ischemic Stroke

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a key determinant of extracellular matrix degradation, might cause cerebral damage after stroke and be involved in the development of depressive symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the association of serum MMP-9 levels and post-stroke depression (PSD).

Serum MMP-9 levels were determined in 558 acute ischemic stroke patients from 7 hospitals comprising the China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke. We assessed depression status using the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and defined PSD as a cutoff score of 8. Logistic regression was performed to estimate the risk of PSD associated with serum MMP-9. Discrimination and reclassification for PSD by MMP-9 were analyzed. A total of 222 (39.8%) stroke patients were categorized as PSD within 3 months. Serum MMP-9 concentrations were higher among PSD patients than those without PSD (658.8 vs. 485.7 ng/mL; P<0.001). The multiple-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for the highest MMP-9 quartile compared with the lowest quartile was 4.36 (2.49-7.65) for PSD, and 1 standard deviation higher log-MMP-9 was associated with 68% (37-106%) increased odds of PSD. Adding MMP-9 to the conventional risk factors model substantially improved discrimination and reclassification for PSD (all P<0.05).

Elevated serum MMP-9 levels in the acute phase of ischemic stroke were associated with increased risk of PSD, suggesting an important prognostic role of MMP-9 for PSD.