[PP.24.27] RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES MMP-9,MMP-7, THEIR INHIBITORS, HS CRP AND SEVERITY OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Abstract

To describe the enzymatic profile of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-7 and -9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1 and -2) and the relationship with hs-CRP serum levels in different categories of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD)

Consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography were randomly included. Serum concentrations of MMP-9,MMP-7 TIMP-1,2 and hs CRP were determined in 112 patients divided into 5 groups:stable angina pectoris(SAP) n = 47,unstable angina pectoris(UAP) n = 32,acute myocardial infarction(AMI), n = 16 and Conrols(C), n = 17 with ELISA method using Quantikine Human MMP-9 and MMP7 (total) ELISA (R&D Systems) and Quantikine Human TIMP-1,2 (R&D Systems;for hs CRP determination was used hs CRP ELISA assays(DRG Int.INC.USA),

High levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1 and hs-CRP were obtained in SAP, UAP and AMI groups versus controls probably because acute coronary syndromes are associated with an important inflammatory status. Levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 tend to have a parallel evolution, and are associated with the evolution of SAP into an UAP and AMI. Total lMMP-7 and its ratio with TIMPcorrelated with parameters of LV systolic even in patients with normal LVEF. Baseline serum MMP-9, TIMP-1 and hs-CRP concentrations increased significantly in patients with CAD, compared to healthy controls. MMP-9, MMP-7,TIMP-1,2 and hs-CRP reflects the presence of inflammation and the evolution of stable atherosclerotic plaques into unstable ones and developing of acute coronary syndromes

Inflammatory mechanisms play a significant role in atheromatous plaque vulnerability and rapid CAD progression. hs-CRP levels predict future cardiovascular events independently of CAD severity. Therefore, hs-CRP levels may be considered as marker of atheromatous plaque vulnerability and CAD activity.