Association of circulating matrix metalloproteinases with carotid artery characteristics: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Carotid MRI Study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship of plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) with carotid artery characteristics measured by MRI in a cross-sectional investigation among Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Carotid MRI Study participants.


RESULTS
A stratified random sample was recruited based on intima-media thickness from a previous ultrasonographic examination. A high-resolution gadolinium-enhanced MRI examination of the carotid artery was performed from 2004 to 2005 on 1901 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort participants. Multiple carotid wall characteristics, including wall thickness, lumen area, calcium area, lipid core, and fibrous cap measures, were evaluated for associations with plasma MMPs 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9 and TIMP-1. Plasma MMPs 1, 3, and 7 were significantly higher among participants in the high intima-media thickness group compared with those in the low intima-media thickness group. The normalized wall index was independently associated with MMPs 3 and 7 and TIMP-1. MMP-7 was positively associated with carotid calcification. The mean fibrous cap thickness was significantly higher in individuals with elevated TIMP-1 levels. In addition, TIMP-1 was positively associated with measures of lipid core.


CONCLUSIONS
Circulating levels of specific MMPs and TIMP-1 were associated with carotid wall remodeling and structural changes related to plaque burden in elderly participants.
Gaubatz
John W
JW
Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 6565 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Ballantyne
Christie M
CM
Wasserman
Bruce A
BA
He
Max
M
Chambless
Lloyd E
LE
Boerwinkle
Eric
E
Hoogeveen
Ron C
RC
D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000473:pathology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / Q000097:blood
D015415:Biomarkers; D008055:Lipids; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases