Effect of bariatric surgery on matrix metalloproteinase activity in patients with morbid obesity

Pathological remodeling of extracellular matrix was observed in the course of obesity; however, the detailed role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the development of obesity and its metabolic complications remain unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate plasma activity of selected MMPs in individuals with morbid obesity, as well as the impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on MMPs' activity. MMPs' metabolism between obese individuals without and with metabolic syndrome was compared. The activities of MMPs were measured fluorometrically. Plasma activities of collagenases (MMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-13), gelatinases (MMP-9), stromelysins (MMP-3 and MMP-10), metalloelastase (MMP-12) and membrane types MMP (MMP-14) was increased in morbidly obese women without metabolic syndrome before bariatric surgery, whereas activities of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-10, and MMP-12 were higher in morbidly obese women with metabolic syndrome than in the lean controls. After bariatric treatment, only the activity of some plasma MMPs partially normalized in both obese groups studied. Obesity is associated with increased activities of plasma MMPs. Although bariatric treatment improves MMPs homeostasis of individuals with obesity, it remained disturbed even 12 months after surgery. In general, the MMPs activity MMPs did not differ between obese individuals without and with metabolic syndrome. However, in individuals with metabolic syndrome, disturbances in the activity of MMPs persisted longer after bariatric surgery. Further long-term studies are needed to validate our findings.