Serum levels and polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in carotid artery atherosclerosis: higher MMP-9 levels are associated with plaque vulnerability. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Silvello, Daiane; Narvaes, Luciane Barreneche; Albuquerque, Luciano Cabral; Forgiarini, Luiz Felipe; Meurer, Luise; Martinelli, Nidiane Carla; Andrades, Michael Everton; Clausell, Nadine; Santos, Kátia Gonçalves dos; Rohde, Luis Eduardo
• Is Part Of: Biomarkers. Volume 19:Number 1(2014)
• Page Start: 49
• Page End: 55
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: Biochemical markers -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.3109/1354750X.2013.866165
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-750X

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Context</italic>: Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in atherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability.</p> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: To investigate serum levels and genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -1, -3 and -9 in patients submitted to carotid endarterectomy.</p> <p> <italic>Methods</italic>: Genetic polymorphisms were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP); serum levels were measured using ELISA; histological sections were stained with Picrosirius Red to analyze the fibrous cap thickness, lipid core and collagen content and with hematoxylin--eosin to detect the presence of intraplaque hemorrhage.</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: MMP-9 serum levels were significantly higher in patients with a thinner fibrous cap (<italic>p</italic> = 0.033) or acute or recent intraplaque hemorrhage (<italic>p</italic> = 0.008) on histology, as well as in patients with previous stroke (<italic>p</italic> = 0.009) or peripheral vascular disease (<italic>p</italic> = 0.049). No consistent associations were observed between different <italic>MMP</italic> genotypes and fibrous cap thickness, lipid core, collagen content or intraplaque hemorrhage.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusions</italic>: MMP-9 serum levels were consistently associated with markers of carotid atherosclerosis and lesion vulnerability, whereas specific <italic>MMP</italic> genotypes were not.</p> </abstract>