| Abstract: | Increased expression and activity of metalloproteinases have been implicated in the pathophysiology of vascular remodeling and in the growth of atherosclerotic lesions. We aimed at determining the levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, their specific inhibitors TIMP-2 and TIMP-1, and the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, which are related to the stimulation of MMPs, in patients with untreated mild essential hypertension (UH) and normotensive (NT) volunteers. Serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels were significantly different in UH volunteers when compared to NT volunteers. Thus, MMP-9 is elevated in the early stages of essential hypertension and may be used as a marker of cardiovascular risk and vascular dysfunction. |
