Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and TGFBR2 gene screening in patients with ascending aortic dilatation.

Development of ascending aortic dilatation (AAD) in about 10 % of patients operated for aortic valve disease (AVD) is probably based on intrinsic pathology of the aortic wall. This may involve an abnormality in the process of extracellular matrix remodelling. The present study evaluated the serum levels of specific metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and investigated the gene for transforming growth factor receptor 2 (TGFBR2) in 28 patients with AVD associated with AAD (mean age 60.6 years), in 29 patients (68.9 years) with AVD without AAD, and in 30 healthy controls (45.3 years). The serum levels of MMPs were determined by ELISA. Further, we focused on genetic screening of the TGFBR2 gene. Plasma MMP-2 concentrations were significantly higher in the groups of patients compared to the controls: median 1315.0 (mean 1265.2 ± SD 391.3) in AVD with AAD, 1240.0 (1327.8 ± 352.5) in AVD without AAD versus 902.5 (872.3 ± 166.2) ng/ml in the healthy controls, in both cases P < 0.001. The serum levels of MMP-9 were significantly higher in AVD with AAD patients [107.0 (202.3 ± 313.0)] and in AVD without AAD patients [107.0 (185.8 ± 264.3)] compared to the healthy controls [14.5 (21.2 ± 24.8) ng/ml], in both cases P < 0.001. No significant correlation was observed between plasma MMP-2 and MMP-9 and ascending aorta diameter. Genetic screening did not reveal any variation in the TGFBR2 gene in the patients. Measurement of MMP levels is a simple and relatively rapid laboratory test that could be used as a biochemical indicator when evaluated in combination with imaging techniques.