title: Matrix metalloproteases and their tissue inhibitor in cardiac transplantation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Multiple studies have shown that matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are involved in the pathologic reactions occurring as a consequence of cardiac transplantation, including ischemia-reperfusion injury and allograft rejection. This study sought to determine the temporal profile of MMP serum levels following cardiac transplantation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Endomyocardial biopsies and serum samples were obtained from 66 recipients at 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 12, 24, and 52 weeks post-transplant during the routine follow-up protocol, and MMP-1, MMP-8, MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP)-1 serum concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunosuppression comprised cyclosporine A (CyA; n=46) or tacrolimus (TAC; n=20) with mycophenolate mofetil and steroids.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Increased MMP-8, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 serum levels were observed during the first 2 weeks following transplantation compared to the later time points. MMP-1 was increased at 2 and 3 weeks post-transplant compared to all later time points. No correlation of MMP or TIMP serum concentrations with infection episodes was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early increase in MMP and TIMP serum levels following cardiac transplantation indicates involvement of these molecules in the reaction of the transplant to ischemia-reperfusion or early immunologic adaptation processes of the host. Further investigation of the relationship between MMP and TIMP serum levels and clinical conditions following transplantation including allograft rejection and hemodynamic graft function is necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. seyedhossein.aharinejad@meduniwien.ac.at
authors.forename: Seyedhossein
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aharinejad
authors.forename: Katharina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Krenn
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zuckermann
authors.forename: Romana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schäfer
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Paulus
authors.forename: Gernot
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Seebacher
authors.forename: Ernst
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wolner
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grimm
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000601:surgery; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / Q000097:blood; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 / Q000097:blood; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000097:blood; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1