Elevated serum levels of MMP-1 are related to atherosclerosis of the vessel proximal to the myocardial bridge

Background Atherosclerosis (AS) of the vessel proximal to the myocardial bridge (MB) is usually found in patients with chest pain undergoing coronary angiography. Matrix metalloprotease-1 (MMP-1) plays an essential role in the initiation and progression of AS. However, its role in AS of the vessel proximal to the MB is unclear. Objective The role of MMP-1 in AS of the vessel proximal to the MB was investigated VAC1]. Methods We measured MMP-1 serum levels and compared clinical characteristics between two groups. Results MMP-1 serum levels were higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (25.7 ± 6.1 ng / mL vs 12.6 ± 5.8 ng / mL, P < 0.001); Clinical characteristics had no significant difference between two groups. Conclusion Increased serum levels of MMP-1 might be associated with AS of the vessel proximal to the MB in the mid LAD.