Expression of plasma levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is now considered the preferred treatment modality in most abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients.

The objective of this study was to quantify and evaluate MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 expression response to EVAR based on serum assays at 6-month follow-up.

47 patients with AAA who underwent EVAR and ten people with no comorbidities were recruited for the study. Plasma levels of MMPs and TIMPs were assayed by ELISA preoperatively and after 6 months in the group submitted to EVAR and only once in the control group. Demographic profiles, clinical follow-up data, and imaging exams with angiotomography performed preoperatively and after 6 months were collected.

Forty-seven patients with AAA were treated with EVAR. 87.2% of these patients were male and 68.08% were smokers. There were no deaths in the first 30 days. Ten patients (21.27%) had an endoleak during the 6-month postoperative period. Higher MMP and TIMP levels were observed in the AAA patients compared with patients in the control group, although without statistical significance. After EVAR, there were increases in MMP and TIMP levels both in the group with endoleaks and in the group without endoleaks (p<0.05). The variables related to demographic and anatomical data and types of devices used by the patients did not show statistical significance, except for a significant reduction in aneurysmal sac diameter (p<0.05).

None of the markers assessed showed any association with endoleak status. However, the concentrations of MMPs and TIMPs in circulation increased in all patients after EVAR. Collectively, these findings suggest that the markers assessed have little potential to influence current post-EVAR monitoring practices.