CONTEXT: Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in atherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability. OBJECTIVE: To investigate serum levels and genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -1, -3 and -9 in patients submitted to carotid endarterectomy. METHODS: Genetic polymorphisms were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP); serum levels were measured using ELISA; histological sections were stained with Picrosirius Red to analyze the fibrous cap thickness, lipid core and collagen content and with hematoxylin--eosin to detect the presence of intraplaque hemorrhage. RESULTS: MMP-9 serum levels were significantly higher in patients with a thinner fibrous cap (p = 0.033) or acute or recent intraplaque hemorrhage (p = 0.008) on histology, as well as in patients with previous stroke (p = 0.009) or peripheral vascular disease (p = 0.049). No consistent associations were observed between different MMP genotypes and fibrous cap thickness, lipid core, collagen content or intraplaque hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-9 serum levels were consistently associated with markers of carotid atherosclerosis and lesion vulnerability, whereas specific MMP genotypes were not.
CONTEXT: Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in atherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability. OBJECTIVE: To investigate serum levels and genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -1, -3 and -9 in patients submitted to carotid endarterectomy. METHODS: Genetic polymorphisms were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP); serum levels were measured using ELISA; histological sections were stained with Picrosirius Red to analyze the fibrous cap thickness, lipid core and collagen content and with hematoxylin--eosin to detect the presence of intraplaque hemorrhage. RESULTS:MMP-9 serum levels were significantly higher in patients with a thinner fibrous cap (p = 0.033) or acute or recent intraplaque hemorrhage (p = 0.008) on histology, as well as in patients with previous stroke (p = 0.009) or peripheral vascular disease (p = 0.049). No consistent associations were observed between different MMP genotypes and fibrous cap thickness, lipid core, collagen content or intraplaque hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS:MMP-9 serum levels were consistently associated with markers of carotid atherosclerosis and lesion vulnerability, whereas specific MMP genotypes were not.
Authors: Samuel Hernandez-Anzaldo; Vesna Brglez; Bianca Hemmeryckx; Dickson Leung; Janos G Filep; Jean E Vance; Dennis E Vance; Zamaneh Kassiri; Roger H Lijnen; Gérard Lambeau; Carlos Fernandez-Patron Journal: J Am Heart Assoc Date: 2016-09-30 Impact factor: 5.501