Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
In Vitro Assays to Assess Blood-brain Barrier Mesh-like Vessel Formation and Disruption
Published on: June 20, 2017
Expression of matrix metalloproteinases in cerebral amyloid angiopathy-a systematic review
Hanying Gu1, Xiuxia Shi2, Jiangtao Zhang3
1Emergency Department, Chengde Medical College, Chengde, China.
Objective:
This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA).
Methods:
This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the study quality.
Results:
Five studies evaluating a total of 442 participants were included. The findings revealed dysregulation of the MMP/TIMP system in the cerebral blood vessels of patients with CAA. Specifically, in comparison with patients without CAA, those with CAA showed significantly upregulated expression of TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 in the cerebral blood vessels, and TIMP-4 levels were positively correlated with the severity of CAA. MMP-9 expression in patients with CAA-related intracerebral hemorrhage (CAA-ICH) was significantly higher than in those without hemorrhage, while TIMP-3 expression was lower in patients with CAA-ICH; these findings suggest that an imbalance between MMP-9 and TIMP-3 may increase the risk of hemorrhage. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum biomarker studies showed that patients with CAA had decreased TIMP-4 levels in the CSF and significantly lower serum MMP-2 levels.
Conclusion:
The findings of this study indicated an imbalance in the MMP/TIMP system in CAA, which may be involved in its vascular pathological mechanism. However, the existing evidence is insufficient to support the use of MMPs/TIMPs as reliable biomarkers for CAA. Therefore, further evaluation of their diagnostic and therapeutic value is required in future studies.
Systematic Review Registration:
This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (Unique Identifier: CRD420251230405). The protocol can be accessed at: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251230405, CRD420251230405.
Insights
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) shows an imbalanced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) system, particularly with altered TIMP-3, TIMP-4, and MMP-9 levels. Further research is needed to confirm their diagnostic and therapeutic value in CAA.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a significant cause of spontaneous lobar intracerebral hemorrhage.
- The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) system plays a crucial role in extracellular matrix remodeling and vascular integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the expression levels of MMPs and TIMPs in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA).
- To investigate the potential role of the MMP/TIMP system in the vascular pathology of CAA.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases.
- Adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
- Independent data extraction and quality assessment by two researchers.
Main Results:
- Five studies involving 442 participants were included.
- Dysregulation of the MMP/TIMP system was observed in CAA cerebral blood vessels.
- Upregulated TIMP-3 and TIMP-4, and positively correlated TIMP-4 with CAA severity were found.
- Elevated MMP-9 and decreased TIMP-3 in CAA-related intracerebral hemorrhage suggest hemorrhage risk.
- Decreased CSF TIMP-4 and serum MMP-2 levels were noted in CAA patients.
Conclusions:
- An imbalance in the MMP/TIMP system is implicated in the vascular pathology of CAA.
- Current evidence is insufficient to establish MMPs/TIMPs as reliable CAA biomarkers.
- Further studies are warranted to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of MMPs/TIMPs in CAA.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology