Plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in age-related macular degeneration.
BACKGROUND
Several studies indicate that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and atherosclerosis may share common pathogenetic pathways. The aim of this study was to determine the role of systemic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in AMD, given that MMPs are implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.


METHODS
This study determined the plasma matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) levels in three groups of subjects: group 1 included subjects with age-related maculopathy (ARM), group 2 included subjects with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) owing to AMD and group 3 consisted of age-matched controls.


RESULTS
The mean plasma levels of MMP-2 were not significantly different in the three groups. In contrast, the mean plasma MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in ARM and CNV groups compared to that of the control group. However, there was no significant difference in MMP-9 levels between ARM and CNV groups.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study that reveals a link between raised plasma MMP-9 levels with AMD. Further studies are required to identify the factors that contribute to this association.
Chau
K Y
KY
Institute of Ophthalmology, University College, London, UK.
Sivaprasad
S
S
Patel
N
N
Donaldson
T A
TA
Luthert
P J
PJ
Chong
N V
NV
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000201:enzymology*; D008297:Male; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000097:blood*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
C522361:MMP2 protein, human; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9