Serum levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 and of precursor form of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in patients with liver disease.

Serum levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP2) and of precursor form of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (proMMP2) were determined in patients with chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma by a one-step sandwich enzyme immunoassay. Serum levels of TIMP2 and proMMP2 were significantly higher in patients with chronic liver disease, than in normal controls. Serum levels of TIMP2 showed a weak negative correlation with the serum albumin level and prothrombin time (PT). Serum levels of proMMP2 in patients with chronic hepatitis were strongly correlated with those of type IV collagen and were negatively correlated with PT and serum albumin levels. Serum proMMP2 levels were also significantly correlated with histological stages. These data indicate that serum levels of proMMP2 might be useful in the follow-up of patients with chronic hepatitis.