Circulating matrix metalloproteinase-2 is associated with cystatin C level, posttransplant duration, and diabetes mellitus in kidney transplant recipients.

Studies have indicated that matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is vital for the patient's condition after renal transplantation. Although the allograft survival rate has been improved, the relationships between various clinical parameters in stable graft function and serum MMP-2 still need to be clarified. In this study, gelatin zymography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were employed to measure MMP-2 level in the plasma of 152 kidney transplant recipients, 41 chronic kidney disease patients, and 50 healthy control subjects. The creatinine and the MMP-2 levels in the transplant recipients were significantly greater (P < 0.001) than those of control subjects. Univariate and stepwise regression analysis demonstrated the MMP-2 level was associated with cystatin C level (P < 0.001), creatinine level (P = 0.036), proteinuria (P = 0.043), posttransplant days (P = 0.025), and posttransplant diabetes mellitus (P = 0.03). We conclude that circulating MMP-2 is associated with cystatin C, posttransplant duration, and diabetes mellitus in kidney transplant recipients and suggest that MMP-2 may be critical for graft survival.