title: Relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity and cystatin C levels in patients with hepatic disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A direct relationship between cystatin C levels and the severity of hepatic disease has been revealed in our previous study. This study was aimed to consider whether a correlation exists between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which have been proven to be involved in liver cirrhosis, and cystatin C to reflect the severity of hepatic disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 154 consecutive patients with various liver diseases were recruited to determine their serum levels of cystatin C, MMP-2 and-9, together with other hepatic parameters. These were compared with 40 normal controls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Average levels of MMP-2 and cystatin C were significantly higher in patients while MMP-9 was significantly lower, as compared to controls. A linear regression analysis has revealed a direct relationship between cystatin C and MMP-2 (Y=83.39 + 270.56 X, R=0.38, P< 0.001), as well as between MMP-2 and the severity of liver diseases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first study to demonstrate a correlation between cystatin C and MMP-2, suggesting that there may be certain interactions between cystatin C and MMP-2 in patients with hepatic diseases.
authors: Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
authors: Tzy-Yen
authors: TY
authors: Chen
authors: Yih-Shou
authors: YS
authors: Hsieh
authors: Chi-Chieh
authors: CC
authors: Yang
authors: Chi-Ping
authors: CP
authors: Wang
authors: Shun-Fa
authors: SF
authors: Yang
authors: Yan-Wen
authors: YW
authors: Cheng
authors: Hui-Ling
authors: HL
authors: Chiou
mesh_terms: D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D055316:Cystatin C; D015891:Cystatins / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000097:blood*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: C525030:CST3 protein, human; D055316:Cystatin C; D015891:Cystatins; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9