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Serum activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 is increased in chronic post-stroke individuals: a
Luisa Fernanda García-Salazar1,2, Jean Alex Matos Ribeiro1, Jonathan Emanuel Cunha1
1Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, Brazil.
Background:
High concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9) are associated with inflammation early after stroke. In chronic stages, the elevation of some cytokines is related to the presence of co-morbid conditions in these individuals. In addition to this, some characteristics such as sensorimotor impairment, atrophy, and sedentary lifestyle predispose the system to an inflammatory response.
Objective:
To quantify MMP-2 and -9 serum activity in chronic post-stroke individuals and correlate it with variables of physical activity level, body composition, functional and walking capacity, and with inflammatory biomarkers. Additionally, gelatinase activity was characterized according to motor impairment.
Methods:
Fourteen patients with stroke onset >6 months and seven healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. The clinical assessment included: body composition, measure by bioelectrical impedance analyzer; Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment Scale; six-minute and ten-meter walk tests, and physical activity level assessed by the StepWatch® Activity Monitor. Blood samples were collected from antecubital vein and serum MMP-2 and -9 activity was analyzed using gelatin Zymography, and the TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10 biomarkers using ELISA kits.
Results:
Chronic post-stroke individuals presented an increased activity of MMP-2 and -9 compared to healthy individuals. Positive correlations with time and steps in low cadence and negative ones with medium cadence and peak activity index were observed. According to the motor impairment, the MMP-2 activity was increased in the mild-moderate group compared to the control group.
Conclusion:
Increased gelatinases in chronic post-stroke individuals could describe an inflammation process related to the limited capacity of walking in high intensities.
Insights
Elevated matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in chronic stroke patients correlate with reduced physical activity and motor impairment, suggesting ongoing inflammation. This highlights potential links between gelatinase activity and post-stroke recovery challenges.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) are linked to early stroke inflammation.
- Chronic stroke patients may experience elevated cytokines due to comorbidities.
- Sensorimotor deficits, atrophy, and inactivity can promote inflammation post-stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- Quantify serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in chronic stroke survivors.
- Correlate gelatinase activity with physical activity, body composition, and functional capacity.
- Characterize gelatinase activity in relation to motor impairment and inflammatory biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Study included 14 chronic stroke patients and 7 healthy controls.
- Assessed body composition, motor function (Fugl-Meyer Scale), and walking capacity (walk tests).
- Measured serum MMP-2/-9 activity via zymography and inflammatory biomarkers (TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10) using ELISA.
Main Results:
- Chronic stroke patients showed higher MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity than controls.
- MMP activity correlated positively with low-cadence walking time/steps and negatively with peak activity.
- MMP-2 activity was elevated in patients with mild-to-moderate motor impairment.
Conclusions:
- Increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 in chronic stroke may indicate persistent inflammation.
- This inflammation could be associated with impaired high-intensity walking capacity.
- Gelatinase levels offer insights into the inflammatory state and functional limitations post-stroke.
