Evaluation of metalloproteinase 2 and 9 levels and their inhibitors in diabetic and healthy subjects

OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that molecules active in vascular remodeling (i.e. MMPs and their TIMPs) could be modified in diabetic patients, as indirect markers of the diabetes related generalized abnormality of vascular activity. To test this hypothesis, we measured the plasma levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in type 2 diabetic patients and in healthy subjects. METHODS: We enrolled 181 diabetic patients and 165 controls. We measured body mass index (BMI), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA index), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (Tg), lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), homocysteine (Hct) fibrinogen (Fg), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and plasma levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2. RESULTS: A significant increase (P<0.0001) of BMI, HbA(1c), FPG, FPI, HOMA index, SBP, DBP, TC, LDL-C, Tg, Lp(a), PAI-1, Hct, Fg, and hs-CRP was present in the diabetic group, with a significant decrease (P<0.0001) of HDL-C levels compared to healthy subjects. MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were significantly higher (P<0.0001) in diabetic patients. Significant TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 increase was also observed (P<0.0001) in the diabetic group. CONCLUSION: Plasma levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 are increased in diabetic patients which may reflect abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism.     

Elevated plasma levels of TIMP-1 correlate with plasma suPAR/uPA in patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorders

Chronic myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) are characterized by progressive remodelling of bone marrow stroma as evidenced by increased deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, neoangiogenesis and displacement of normal haematopoietic cells by fibrotic tissue. The family of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs) serve to facilitate and inhibit matrix degradation processes, respectively. In an attempt to investigate potential markers for bone marrow remodelling processes, we investigated plasma levels of total-, free- and complexed TIMP-1, TIMP-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a patient cohort comprising 17 with myelofibrosis (MF), 17 with polycythaemia vera (PV), 15 with essential thrombocythaemia (ET), 1 with a transitional MPD and 30 controls. Compared with controls, total- (P < 0.0001) (median: 132.6 microg/L vs. 80.8 microg/L), free- (P < 0.0001) (median: 126.4 microg/L vs. 65.8 microg/L) and complexed TIMP-1 (P = 0.0009) (median: 17.7 microg/L vs. 10.7 microg/L) concentration was significantly higher in the patients. TIMP-1 was significantly correlated with plasma soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (P = 0.003) and urokinase plasminogen activator (P < 0.0001), respectively, suggesting a common cellular origin. No statistical significant difference between TIMP-2 and MMP-2 levels was observed between patients and controls. Furthermore, a significant correlation between free TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels was detected (r = 0.56; P < 0.0001). Median MMP-9 concentration was significantly higher among PV patients compared with controls (P = 0.0015), and 41% of patients with PV (7/17) had MMP-9 values that were above the mean + 2SD of plasma MMP-9 levels found in controls. The ratio of total TIMP-1/MMP-9 was significantly higher in patients with MF compared with controls (P = 0.0004). These findings suggest that a disturbed TIMP-1/MMP ratio may reflect an imbalance of the extracellular homeostasis towards an increased matrix deposition promoting fibrosis.     

Monocyte matrix and ADAM metalloproteinase expression in type 2 diabetes after aspirin therapy

The matrix metalloproteinase system (MMP and the TIMP inhibitors), and the ADAM metalloproteinases, have roles in maintaining vascular plaque stability and the shedding of cell surface molecules, such as TNF-alpha and adhesion molecules; aspirin suppresses MMP expression and ADAM activity from some cell lines in vitro. In a randomised prospective controlled study, we examined peripheral venous monocyte MMP-9, TIMP-1 and ADAM mRNA levels, and protein expression, in subjects with type 2 diabetes (n=10) and controls (n=14) before and after oral aspirin therapy (150mg daily for 14 days) or no active intervention. Baseline monocyte TIMP-1 mRNA levels were significantly lower in the diabetes group (p=0.0014), although monocyte MMP-9 mRNA, and MMP-9 and TIMP-1 protein expression after culture did not differ significantly between groups. Plasma MMP-9 (p=0.027) and TIMP-1 (p=0.016) concentrations were significantly greater, and the ratio of plasma TIMP-1:MMP-9 concentrations significantly lower, in the diabetes group (p=0.023). ADAM mRNA levels did not differ significantly between groups and oral aspirin therapy had no significant effect on any variable. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by reduced monocyte TIMP-1 mRNA levels, and a lower plasma MMP-9 to TIMP-1 protein ratio compared to controls, a pattern that would promote coronary plaque instability if reproduced within vascular plaque. Monocyte ADAM mRNA levels do not differ between group and oral aspirin has no significant effect on these variables.     

Plasma levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 are not associated with arterial stiffness in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus

ObjectiveIncreased arterial stiffness is a marker of atherosclerosis and is recognised early in the course of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP) are a family of proteolytic enzymes which are essential for the structure and function of large arteries. In this study, we examined for relationships between MMP and TIMP-1 and indices of arterial stiffness in subjects with T2DM.Research Design and MethodsA total of 60 subjects with T2DM and 60 nondiabetic subjects were recruited. Aortic distensibility (AD) was assessed noninvasively by ultrasonography and augmentation index by pulse wave analysis.ResultsThe values of AD were lower in subjects with T2DM than in controls (P<.001), while those of augmentation index were not significantly different between the two groups. Plasma concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were not different between diabetic and nondiabetic participants, while those of TIMP-1 were lower in the diabetic patients (P=.005). In the diabetes group, no significant associations were found between either AD or augmentation index and MMPs as well as TIMP-1, while duration of diabetes emerged as the strongest predictor of AD (P<.001). In the nondiabetic group, nonsignificant associations were also found between AD or augmentation index and MMPs as well as TIMP-1.ConclusionIn patients with T2DM, plasma levels of MMP and TIMP-1 are not associated with arterial stiffness assessed by either AD or augmentation index.     

Comparison between metalloproteinases-2 and -9 in healthy subjects,diabetics, and subjects with acute coronary syndrome

We hypothesized that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -9, and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1, -2 (TIMP-1, -2) would be abnormal in diabetes and in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We measured MMP-2, -9, and TIMP-1, -2 plasma levels in healthy subjects (controls), in type 2 diabetic patients, in nondiabetic patients with ACS (ACS) and in diabetic patients with ACS (DACS). We enrolled 165 controls, 181 diabetic patients, 78 ACS, and 46 DACS. We measured also BMI (body mass index), HbA_1c (glycated hemoglobin) FPG (fasting plasma glucosa), FPI (fasting plasma insulin), HOMA index (homeostasis model assessment index), SBP (systolic blood pressure), DBP (diastolic blood pressure), TC (total cholesterol), LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol), HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), Tg (triglycerides), Lp(a) (lipoprotein(a)) PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1), Hct (homocysteine), Fg (fibrinogen), and hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein). A significant increase of BMI was observed in the diabetic group, in ACS and DACS patients compared to controls. A significant increase of SBP and DBP resulted in the diabetic and DACS groups, while only SBP improvement was present in ACS patients with respect to controls. A decrease in SBP and DBP was observed in the ACS group, while SBP variation was present in DACS patients compared to diabetics, and DBP increase was obtained in the DACS group with respect to ACS patients. TC, LDL-C, Tg, and Lp(a) increase was present in diabetics, while TC, Tg, and Lp(a) improvement was present in ACS and DACS patients with a significant decrease of HDL-C levels in diabetic, ACS, and DACS groups compared to controls. A decrease in LDL-C was obtained in ACS and DACS groups, while HDL-C increase was observed in these patients with respect to diabetics. Tg levels were higher in the DACS group compared to diabetics and ACS patients, respectively. Increases in PAI-1, Hct, Fg, and hs-CRP were present in diabetic and DACS groups, while PAI-1, Hct, and hs-CRP improvement was obtained in ACS patients with respect to controls. Higher PAI-1 levels came about in ACS and DACS groups, while HCT and Fg levels were lower in ACS patients compared to diabetics. An increase in Fg was present in the DACS group with respect to ACS patients. A decrease in Hs-CRP was observed in DACS patients compared to diabetics and the ACS group, respectively. Higher MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 levels were present in diabetic, ACS, and DACS patients compared to controls. Significant MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 increases were observed in ACS and DACS groups, while MMP-9 decreased in these patients compared to diabetics. In conclusion, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 plasma levels were higher in diabetic, ACS, and DACS patients, which may reflect abnormal extracellular matrix metabolism in diabetes and in acute coronary syndrome.     

Measurement of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in patients with knee osteoarthritis: comparison with generalized osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) between patients with knee osteoarthritis and normal subjects, to investigate whether the degree of knee joint involvement is related to those measurements, and to compare patients with and without generalized osteoarthritis. METHODS: Eighty-three women with knee osteoarthritis (OA patients) were studied. Plasma levels of MMP-3, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were measured by enzyme immunoassays. Knee and hand radiographs were taken of all patients. The joints of the knee and hand were graded from 0 to 4 according to Kellgren and Lawrence criteria. All OA patients were divided into a generalized OA (GOA) group (n = 37) and a knee OA (KOA) group (n = 46) according to Doherty's criteria. MMPs and TIMP were also measured in 19 normal subjects. RESULTS: Plasma levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 were significantly higher in OA patients than in normal subjects. In contrast, MMP-9 was lower in OA patients than in normal subjects. Plasma levels of MMP-3 and MMP-9 were not influenced by the grade of knee OA. TIMP-1 was influenced by the grade of knee OA. Plasma levels of MMP-3 were significantly elevated in GOA compared to KOA. In contrast, there were no significant differences in plasma levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 between GOA and KOA. CONCLUSION: Since the plasma level of MMP-3 in GOA was higher than that in KOA patients, it may be a superior indicator for whole-joint degeneration.     

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in hypertension and their relationship to cardiovascular risk and treatment: a substudy of the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT)

BACKGROUND: Hypertension results in structural changes to the cardiac and vascular extracellular matrix (ECM). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their inhibitors (TIMP) may play a central role in the modulation of this matrix. We hypothesized that both MMP-9 and TIMP-1 would be abnormal in hypertension, reflecting alterations in ECM turnover, and that their circulating levels should be linked to cardiovascular (CHD) and stroke (CVA) risk scores using the Framingham equation. Second, we hypothesized that treatment would result in changes in ECM indices. METHODS: Plasma MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were measured before and after treatment (median 3 years) from 96 patients with uncontrolled hypertension participating in the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT). Pretreatment values were compared to circulating MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels in 45 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Circulating pretreatment MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with hypertension than in the normotensive controls (P =.0041 and P =.0166, respectively). Plasma MMP-9 levels decreased, and TIMP-1 levels increased after treatment (P =.035 and P =.005, respectively). Levels of MMP-9 correlated with CHD risk (r = 0.317, P =.007) and HDL cholesterol (r = -0.237, P =.022), but not CVA risk. There were no significant correlations between TIMP-1 and CVA or CHD scores. CONCLUSIONS: Increased circulating MMP-9 and TIMP-1 at baseline in patients with hypertension could reflect an increased deposition and retention of type I collagen at the expense of other components of ECM within the cardiac and vascular ECM. After cardiovascular risk management, MMP-9 levels decreased and TIMP-1 levels increased. Elevated levels of MMP-9 also appeared to be associated with higher Framingham cardiovascular risk scores. Our observations suggest a possible role for these surrogate markers of tissue ECM composition and the prognosis of cardiovascular events in hypertension.     

Plasma MMP-2-TIMP-2 complex levels measured during follow-up predict a risk of relapse in patients with malignant lymphoma

Objectives:  Circulating gelatinases and their tissue inhibitors measured at diagnosis have been shown to exhibit prognostic relevance in several solid tumours. The clinical data concerning their role in follow-up of cancer are still very preliminary. The aim of this study was to find out whether the concentrations of these circulating markers could be used as follow-up markers predicting the risk of lymphoma relapse.
Methods:  Here, we investigated these circulating molecules in a large ( n  = 126) follow-up material of lymphoma patients and in healthy controls ( n  = 44). The plasma samples of patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma ( n  = 31), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma ( n  = 95), and healthy controls were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), proMMP-2, matrix metalloproteinase-2-tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2-TIMP-2) complex, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2.
Results:  The patients with the highest plasma levels of MMP-2-TIMP-2 complex had a 3-fold risk of relapse when compared to the patients with lower levels ( P  = 0.036). Plasma levels of proMMP-2 and MMP-2-TIMP-2 complex as well as the proMMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio were significantly higher in patients with active lymphoma and those in remission when compared to healthy controls. On the contrary, the values of TIMP-2 were significantly lower in lymphoma patients than in controls.
Conclusions:  This study shows that lymphoma patients with the highest levels of MMP-2-TIMP-2 complex are at a marked risk of relapse. Moreover, plasma levels of MMP-2-TIMP-2 complex, proMMP-2, TIMP-2, and proMMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio are at abnormal level in patients with newly diagnosed lymphoma and those in remission when compared to healthy controls. They remain abnormal even after successful lymphoma treatments.     

基质金属蛋白酶与老年高血压患者左心室肥厚的相关性

目的通过测定老年高血压患者血清基质金属蛋白酶1(MMP-1)、MMP-9、基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂1(TIMP-1)水平与左心室后壁厚度(LVPWT)、左心室质量指数(LVMI),探讨基质金属蛋白酶在老年人高血压心室重构中的作用。方法 60岁以上老年高血压患者89例,根据有无左心室肥厚分为两组,高血压合并左心室肥厚32例,高血压无左心室肥厚57例,另52名健康老年人设为对照组超声心动图测LVPWT及LVMI。酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定血清MMP-1、TIMP-1水平。结果健康对照组、高血压无左心室肥厚组、高血压合并左心室肥厚组LVPWT、LVMI、TIMP-1和MMP-9水平逐渐升高(均为P<0.05),而血清MMP-1水平逐渐降低(均为P<0.05)。LVMI、LVPWT与血清MMP-9、TIMP-1水平呈正相关(均为P<0.05),与MMP-1水平呈负相关(均为P<0.05)。结论 MMP-9水平与左心室质量、左心室壁厚度呈正相关,而MMP-1水平与之呈负相关。细胞外基质重构可能与老年高血压有关。     

老年男性糖尿病脑梗死患者血MMP-9和TIMP-1水平变化

用酶联免疫吸附方法(ELISA)检测糖尿病脑梗死组、非糖尿病脑梗死组、糖尿病非脑梗死组、健康对照组的基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP-9)、组织基质金属蛋白酶抑制物1(TIMP-1)的水平.结果 显示糖尿病脑梗死组MMP-9、TIMP-1水平明显明显高于其他3组(P＜0.05),提示其可能在糖尿病脑梗死发病过程中有重要作用.     

Plasma MMP-9 and MMP-2 following acute myocardial infarction in man: correlation with echocardiographic and neurohumoral parameters of left ventricular dysfunction

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular dilatation and elevated plasma natriuretic peptide levels predict adverse prognosis and the development of congestive heart failure after myocardial infarction. Altered matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity has been implicated in the structural changes associated with development of heart failure after myocardial injury. The aims of this study were to investigate plasma MMP-2, MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 concentrations following acute myocardial infarction and their relationships with measures of left ventricular function. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and N-terminal proBNP (N-BNP) were quantified on 5 consecutive days in 60 patients with acute myocardial infarction (39 anterior). N-BNP was measured on day 3. Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular wall motion index and volumes was performed during admission and 6 weeks later. Plasma MMP-9 showed peaks on days 1 and 4. MMP-2 levels, similar on each day, were higher after inferior myocardial infarction. Plasma MMP-2 showed strong, inverse correlation with left ventricular volumes during and after admission. Plasma MMP-9 correlated directly with N-BNP (P=.022) and inversely with wall motion index during admission (P=.05). TIMP-1 levels were higher after anterior (1269, 870-1466 ng/mL) compared with inferior (1183, 856-1419 ng/mL, P=.05) acute myocardial infarction and fell from day 1 through 5 (P <.0005). CONCLUSION: Plasma MMP-9 concentration correlates with neurohormonal and echocardiographic measures of left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction. Higher left ventricular volumes are associated with lower plasma MMP-2 concentrations. Circulating MMP concentrations may provide insights into left ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction.     

金属蛋白酶-2和金属蛋白酶组织抑制物-1与糖尿病肾病关系的实验研究

目的　观察链脲佐菌素 (STZ)实验性糖尿病大鼠肾脏基质金属蛋白酶 2 (MMP 2 )及金属蛋白酶组织抑制物 1(TIMP 1)蛋白的表达及功能、形态学改变 ,探讨MMP 2、TIMP 1在糖尿病肾病(DN)发生机制中的意义。　方法　 2 0只雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为糖尿病组和正常对照组 ,分别于第1、2、4、6、8周测定尿白蛋白排泄率 (UAER) ,第 9周用Western印迹方法检测MMP 2、TIMP 1蛋白表达水平 ,电镜观察肾小球基底膜厚度 (GBMT)。　结果　糖尿病组较正常组TIMP 1蛋白表达明显增加 ,MMP 2蛋白表达显著降低 (P <0 .0 1)。 4、6、8周UAER显著增加 ,GBMT明显增厚 (P <0 .0 1)。电镜发现糖尿病组肾小球基底膜弥慢性增厚 ,局部有系膜细胞插入和双轨征。　结论　持续高血糖可使大鼠肾脏MMP 2下降 ,TIMP 1增加。导致肾小球基底膜增厚 ,UAER增加。MMP 2、TIMP 1失衡可能对糖尿病肾病功能和形态学改变有重要意义。     

2型糖尿病大鼠心肌组织MMP-2、MMP-9、TIMP-1的表达与胶原代谢的关系

目的 了解2型糖尿病（T2DM）大鼠模型心肌组织基质金属蛋白酶2（MMP-2）、基质金属蛋白酶9（MMP-9）及其组织抑制物1（TIMP-1）的mRNA表达变化、蛋白水平及组织定位，探讨MMPs／TIMPs在T2DM心肌病变发生发展中的作用。方法 Masson染色观察心肌胶原含量变化；RT-PCR方法观察心肌MMP-、MMP-9和TIMP-1mRNA表达；免疫组化方法测定MMP-2、MMP-9、TIMP-1的蛋白表达和组织定位。结果 T2DM大鼠心肌胶原纤维明显增多；MMP-2mRNA表达明显下调，蛋白水平下降；MMP-9、TIMP-1的mRNA表达均增加，MMP-9、TIMP-1的蛋白水平也升高，但MMP-9／TIMP-1的比值下降。结论 T2DM大鼠心肌组织胶原聚集，心肌纤维化。MMPs／TIMP-1比例失衡可能与T2DM心肌病变的发生有关。     

老年高血压患者颈动脉内膜中层厚度与基质金属蛋白酶9及其组织型抑制剂1水平的关系

目的 探讨老年高血压患者颈动脉内膜中层厚度(IMT)与血清基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP-9)及基质金属蛋白酶组织型抑制剂1(TIMP-1)的相关性.方法 选择老年高血压患者135例作为高血压组,并按24 h动态脉压分为4个亚组,脉压≤40 mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)为A组14例、41～60 mm Hg...     

Relationships between MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels and their pathogenesis in patients with lupus nephritis

Recent evidence suggests that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were involved with many kinds of kidney diseases. We investigated the roles of MMPs and its tissue inhibitors TIMPs in patients with lupus nephritis (LN). A total of 44 systemic lupus erythematosus patients and 31 healthy subjects were enrolled. The levels of total MMP-2, 9 (tMMP-2, tMMP-9) along with TIMP-1, 2 were measured in serum by ELISA. Serum tMMP-2, tMMP-9 was higher in LN patients than those non-LN patients and healthy controls. Serum tMMP-2 in patients without LN was higher than in healthy controls. TIMP-2 was higher in LN patients than healthy controls, and no significant difference in TIMP-2 was observed between LN and non-LN patients. TIMP-1 levels among LN, non-LN patients and healthy controls were comparable. The ratio of tMMP-9 to TIMP-1 in LN patients was higher than non-LN patients and healthy controls and no difference in ratio of tMMP-9 to TIMP-1 between non-LN patients and healthy subjects was observed. A negative correlation between the ratio of tMMP-9 to TIMP-1 in lupus patients and the titers of anti-dsDNA was found; whereas, no correlation between the ratio of tMMP-9 to TIMP-1 and the concentration of C3 as well 24 h urine protein was observed in LN patients. We suggest imbalance between tMMP-9 and TIMP-1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of LN. Measurement of MMPs and TIMPs may be helpful in the early identification of lupus patients with LN and may help gauge the response to treatment in patients with active LN undergoing treatment.     

Serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels are increased in patients with psoriatic arthritis and their siblings

OBJECTIVE: To determine matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue-inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) serum levels in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to compare this with their siblings and local blood donor controls. PsA is an interesting condition in which to study metalloproteinases because there are variations in the level of destructiveness, including a significant proportion of cases without destructive change. This is unlike rheumatoid arthritis (RA) which is more uniformly destructive and where MMP-1/TIMP-1 levels are known to be elevated. METHODS: MMP-1 and TIMP-1 serum levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in (a) index cases with PsA (subtype: RA n = 43, distal interphalangeal disease n = 2, oligoarticular n = 15, spondyloarthropathy n = 9, enthesitis n = 1), (b) siblings with PsA, (c) siblings with psoriasis (Ps), (d) unaffected siblings and (e) local controls. Patients with Ps were divided according to the onset of disease: type I disease, onset before age 40 yr and type II, onset after age 40 yr. RESULTS: MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels were significantly increased in both the index cases and the group including all siblings compared with the controls (P < 0.0001). There was no statistical difference in MMP-1 or TIMP-1 levels between index cases and their siblings. There was no difference in serum MMP-1 level between the different subtypes (Moll and Wright) of PsA, but there was an increased level of serum TIMP-1 in patients with rheumatoid pattern (P = 0.05). In the index cases there were increased levels of TIMP-1 in type II onset psoriasis (P = 0.03) but no difference in MMP-1 levels. CONCLUSION: MMP-1 and TIMP-1 serum levels are elevated in PsA. This is greatest in RA pattern PsA. These levels were also elevated in unaffected siblings suggesting that genetic factors may be important. TIMP-1 levels were elevated in psoriasis alone, more so in late onset psoriasis, suggesting that the pathological processes of early and late onset psoriasis may be different.     

Abnormal circulating levels of metalloprotease 9 and its tissue inhibitor 1 in angiographically proven peripheral arterial disease: relationship to disease severity

BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with adaptive changes in the vascular and muscle extracellular matrix (ECM) in response to reduced blood flow. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs), are key modulators of ECM turnover. We hypothesized that patients with intermittent claudication (with low ankle-brachial blood pressure index, <0.8), and critical ischaemia would have raised circulating levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 compared with healthy controls, reflecting an increase in proteolytic activity which may be related to ECM turnover in PAD. METHODS: We studied 36 patients (23 males; 65 +/- 9 years) with intermittent claudication and 43 (25 males; 68 +/- 12) patients with critical ischaemia. All patients had angiographic evidence confirming significant PAD. RESULTS: Circulating levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were higher (both P < 0.0001) in the PAD patient groups compared with the controls. Patients with critical ischaemia had MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels that were significantly higher than those with intermittent claudication. There were no differences in circulating TIMP-2 levels between patients and controls. There was a modest positive correlation between the white cell count (WCC) and MMP-9, both patients with intermittent claudication (Spearman, r = 0.398, P = 0.016) and critical ischaemia (r = 0.378, P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: We demonstrate higher levels of circulating MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in patients with intermittent claudication and critical ischaemia. Circulating concentrations of both markers can be related to disease severity, being higher in critical ischaemia compared with levels in intermittent claudication.     

All-trans retinoic acid modulates the balance of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in patients with emphysema

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The balance between proteases and antiproteases plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of emphysema. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the balance of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in patients with emphysema. DESIGN AND SETTING: As part of a clinical study, ATRA was administered to 20 patients with emphysema for 12 weeks and evaluated for its effects on plasma levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1. Plasma MMP-9 levels were also measured in a separate cohort of patients with emphysema and matched control subjects to evaluate the relationship of circulating enzyme levels to lung disease. To further investigate the effects of ATRA on protease activity within the lung microenvironment, alveolar macrophages (AM) recovered from the lungs of active smokers with COPD were cultured with ATRA in vitro. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Administration of ATRA to patients with emphysema produced a 45 +/- 14% reduction (mean +/- SEM) in plasma MMP-9 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a similar reduction in MMP-9 enzyme activity, while having little effect on TIMP-1 levels. Baseline MMP-9 levels were higher in patients with emphysema compared to nonsmoking control subjects, suggesting a relationship between plasma levels and the presence of lung disease. In vitro, concentrations of ATRA similar to those achieved in the plasma of study subjects significantly reduced both the production and enzyme activity of MMP-9 by AM. In the same experiments, TIMP-1 levels increased significantly, resulting in a marked reduction in the MMP-9/TIMP-1 molar ratio. CONCLUSION: We conclude that ATRA can modulate protease/antiprotease balance in a manner that may impact on disease pathogenesis.     

Relationships between plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinases and neurohormonal profile in patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND: Both neurohormonal derangements and alterations in the myocardial extracellular matrix are thought to contribute to adverse ventricular remodelling that results in worsening heart failure (HF). There is also emerging preclinical information to suggest that these signalling pathways mutually regulate in HF. AIM: To assess the relationships between plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), and neurohormonal profiles in chronic HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this substudy of 184 HF patients enrolled in the Randomized Evaluation of Strategies for Left Ventricular Dysfunction (RESOLVD) trial, plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine were measured with HPLC; atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), angiotensin II, aldosterone, and endothelin-1 were measured with immunoassays; MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 were measured with 2-site sandwich ELISA assays. We used Spearman's rank correlation to examine the relationships between plasma MMP and neurohormone levels. Circulating ANP, BNP, and endothelin-1 levels were positively correlated with MMP-2 and TIMP-1 levels. Plasma level of aldosterone showed a weak positive correlation with MMP-9, but there was no significant correlation between angiotensin II, epinephrine or norepinephrine and MMP-2, MMP-9, or TIMP-1. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that specific neurohormones and extracellular matrix modulators may play a coordinated role in the pathogenesis of HF.