Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 as a marker of intimal hyperplasia.
BACKGROUND
A primary component in the development of intimal hyperplasia (IH) in response to vascular injury is basement membrane remodeling. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a major role in this process by degradation of basement membrane proteins, mainly collagen type IV. Vascular injury initiates an inflammatory cascade with the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and C-reactive protein (CRP). We hypothesize serum levels of these elements may serve as biomarkers of the development of IH.


RESULTS
At baseline, 2, 7, 10, and 14 days post-balloon angioplasty of the carotid artery, rat tissue samples were stained with Masson trichrome elastin to examine IH. Intima:media ratios (I:M) increased significantly over time postinjury. Serum samples were collected at the time of tissue sampling, and levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, collagen type IV, TNFalpha, IL-1beta, and CRP were assayed using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MMP-2 serum levels at 7, 10, and 14 days postinjury were significantly elevated compared with baseline. Other elements were not significantly elevated.


CONCLUSIONS
Early and persistent elevation in the serum levels of MMP-2 may be a useful biomarker of basement membrane remodeling and the presence of IH.
Tummers
A Mike
AM
Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920, USA.
Mountain
Deidra J H
DJ
Mix
J William
JW
Kirkpatrick
Stacy S
SS
Cassada
David C
DC
Stevens
Scott L
SL
Freeman
Michael B
MB
Goldman
Mitchell H
MH
Grandas
Oscar H
OH
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D020212:Carotid Artery Injuries / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology; D024141:Collagen Type IV / Q000378:metabolism*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006965:Hyperplasia; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000097:blood*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000473:pathology*
D015415:Biomarkers; D024141:Collagen Type IV; D016207:Cytokines; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2