[Correlation between the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases in the acute phase of an ischemic stroke].
BACKGROUND
Proinflammatory cytokines are the main responsible for the onset of postischemic inflammatory cascade. Recently, the deleterious effect of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the acute phase of stroke has been described. Animal models suggest a link between both families.


OBJECTIVE
We aimed to investigate possible relations between the MMP overproduction and proinflammatory cytokine expression after human ischemic stroke.


METHODS
From all consecutive stroke patients attended during a 10 months period, we selected and prospectively studied those presenting as a cardioembolic stroke involving the MCA territory. MMP 9, MMP 2 and IL 6 were serially measured by means of ELISA at study entry and at 12, 24 and 48 hours after symptoms onset.


RESULTS
A total of 39 patients were studied. A positive correlation was found between mean expression of both MMPs and IL 6 (r= 0.33, p= 0.040 for MMP 2 y r= 0.45, p= 0.004 for MMP 9). From all measured timepoints, the best obtained correlation was that of MMP 9 with IL 6 at 24 hours (r= 0.418, p= 0.010). At 24 h a peak value of IL 6 was observed. Baseline MMP 2 and MMP 9 levels showed a trend to correlate with that peak of IL 6 (r= 0.329, p= 0.061 for MMP 2 y r= 0.325, p= 0.061 for MMP 9).


CONCLUSIONS
MMP expression correlates with the inflammatory cascade activation after acute cardioembolic stroke.
Montaner
J
J
Unidad Cerebrovascular. Servicio de Neurología; Hospital Universitario de la Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, 08035, España.
Alvarez-Sabín
J
J
Barberá
G
G
Anglés
A
A
Molina
C
C
Abilleira
S
S
Arenillas
J
J
Chacón
P
P
Monasterio
J
J
D000208:Acute Disease; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D004790:Enzyme Induction; D006801:Humans; D020244:Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D007249:Inflammation; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism*; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood*; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000097:blood*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000097:blood*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D015850:Interleukin-6; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9