Evaluation of MMP-9, IL-6, TNF-α levels and peripheral blood mononuclear cells genes expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality globally.
• Atherosclerosis, the underlying pathology of CAD, is a complex inflammatory process.
• Inflammation significantly influences the development and progression of atherosclerotic plaques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and vitamin D in patients with CAD.
• To evaluate the gene expression of MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of CAD patients.
• To explore the correlations between these biomarkers and lipid profiles in the context of CAD.

Main Methods:

• The study included 132 Iranian individuals (65 CAD patients, 67 controls) who underwent coronary angiography.
• Serum levels of MMP-9, TNF-α, IL-6, and vitamin D were quantified using ELISA.
• Gene expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in PBMCs was assessed via real-time PCR.

Main Results:

• CAD patients exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of MMP-9, IL-6, and TNF-α compared to controls.
• A notable decrease in serum vitamin D levels was observed in CAD patients.
• Increased MMP-9 and TIMP-1 gene expression was found in CAD patients, with positive correlations between MMP-9 levels and MMP-9/TIMP-1 expression.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest that elevated MMP-9, IL-6, and TNF-α, coupled with vitamin D deficiency, may disrupt the MMP-9/TIMP-1 balance and lipid metabolism in CAD patients.
• These imbalances could contribute to plaque formation and rupture, playing a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
• The interplay between MMPs, TIMP-1, and cytokines is implicated in the inflammatory processes underlying CAD.