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Serum MMP-8 and TIMP-1 concentrations in a population-based cohort: effects of age, gender, and health status
Julia Ranta1, Aki S Havulinna2,3, Taina Tervahartiala1
1Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland.
Background:
Matrix-degrading proteinases and their regulators, such as matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), may contribute to various pathological events. Elevated MMP-8 concentrations have been associated with e.g., cardiovascular diseases and periodontitis. However, there is little knowledge on the physiological concentrations of these molecules in serum, or the effect of demographic or lifestyle factors on their levels.
Design And Methods:
We investigated the effect of various demographic characteristics and behavioral habits, such as aging, sex, smoking, and BMI, on serum concentrations of MMP-8 and TIMP-1. We used the FINRISK97 cohort (n = 8,446), which has comprehensive information on demographic and lifestyle factors, clinical data, laboratory measurements, and register data available. Further, we investigated the concentrations of MMP-8, TIMP-1, and the MMP-8/TIMP-1 ratio in different age groups of healthy and diseased participants. A t-test was used to compare log-transformed mean levels in different groups and linear regression was used to evaluate the association between MMP-8 and TIMP-1 and selected diseases and background variables.
Results:
MMP-8 levels decreased with increasing age in the whole population and for women, while TIMP-1 concentration increased slightly with age for the whole population and both genders separately (p for linear trend <0.001). The concentrations of MMP-8 were lower and TIMP-1 higher in men compared to women (p < 0.001). Additionally, a significant positive association was found for MMP-8 and smoking, CRP, and an inverse association with obesity and fasting time. For TIMP-1, significant positive associations were found with smoking, CRP and obesity, and an inverse association with prevalent diabetes.
Conclusion:
The association of serum MMP-8 and TIMP-1 concentrations with cardiometabolic risk is frequently investigated. MMP-8 levels decrease significantly with age and fasting time. In addition, sex, smoking, and obesity are associated with both MMP-8 and TIMP-1 concentrations. These factors should be carefully considered in epidemiological studies on serum MMP-8 and TIMP-1.
Insights
Serum matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) levels are influenced by age, sex, smoking, and obesity. These factors are crucial for understanding cardiometabolic risk in epidemiological studies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Matrix-degrading proteinases like MMP-8 and their regulators like TIMP-1 are implicated in pathological processes.
- Elevated MMP-8 is linked to cardiovascular diseases and periodontitis, but physiological serum levels and influencing factors are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of demographic factors (age, sex, BMI) and lifestyle behaviors (smoking) on serum MMP-8 and TIMP-1 concentrations.
- To analyze MMP-8, TIMP-1, and their ratio in healthy and diseased individuals across different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the FINRISK97 cohort (n=8,446) with comprehensive demographic, lifestyle, clinical, and register data.
- Employed t-tests for comparing log-transformed mean levels and linear regression to assess associations with diseases and background variables.
Main Results:
- MMP-8 levels decreased with age and fasting time, while TIMP-1 increased slightly with age.
- Men had lower MMP-8 and higher TIMP-1 than women.
- MMP-8 showed positive associations with smoking and CRP, and inverse associations with obesity and fasting.
- TIMP-1 was positively associated with smoking, CRP, and obesity, and inversely with diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Serum MMP-8 and TIMP-1 concentrations are significantly associated with age, sex, smoking, and obesity.
- These demographic and lifestyle factors must be considered in epidemiological studies investigating cardiometabolic risk related to MMP-8 and TIMP-1.
