Activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in abdominal aortic aneurysms. Relation to size and rupture.
OBJECTIVE
to investigate the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 in asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms (aAAAs) and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs).


METHODS
cross-sectional study.


METHODS
MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity was estimated in biopsies from the anterior wall of 60 AAAs using gelatin zymography. There were 20 medium-sized (diameter 5<7 cm) aAAAs, 20 large (>57 cm) aAAAs and 20 rAAAs. MMP activity was quantified using a laser densitometer and expressed as arbitrary units (au).


RESULTS
mean (SEM) MMP-9 activity was significantly lower in large aAAAs (1190 au +/-247) than in rAAAs (2647 au +/-498, p<0.05). There was no difference in MMP-2 activity.


CONCLUSIONS
High MMP-9 activity in the AAA wall is associated with rupture.
Petersen
E
E
Department of Surgery, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden.
Gineitis
A
A
Wågberg
F
F
Angquist
K A
KA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000201:enzymology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged
D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9