Relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity and cystatin C levels in patients with hepatic disease.
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.
Chen
Tzy-Yen
TY
Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
Hsieh
Yih-Shou
YS
Yang
Chi-Chieh
CC
Wang
Chi-Ping
CP
Yang
Shun-Fa
SF
Cheng
Yan-Wen
YW
Chiou
Hui-Ling
HL
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
C525030:CST3 protein, human; D055316:Cystatin C; D015891:Cystatins; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9