title: Dynamic changes of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in severe sepsis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Little is known about the dynamic changes of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) in sepsis. Our aim was therefore to investigate the time course of MMPs and their inhibitors in patients experiencing severe sepsis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our prospective controlled analysis included 38 patients with severe sepsis. Plasma levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were measured daily at a 5-day-long period with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seventeen healthy volunteers were invited as controls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MMP-2 showed no difference compared to controls, whereas significantly elevated MMP-9 levels were detected on admission (P < .005). Significantly elevated but declining TIMP-1 levels were measured during the whole trial (P < .002-.004). Except for the second day, TIMP-2 levels were significantly lower than controls (P < .05-.009). MMP2/TIMP-1 ratios were significantly lower in septic patients (P < .03-.006), whereas MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratios were elevated throughout our study (P < .03-.006). MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios were significantly lower at the first 3 days (P < .05-.008). MMP-9/TIMP-2 was significantly elevated on admission (P < .006).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our research is the first follow-up study dealing with MMPs, TIMPs, and their ratios in severe sepsis. Our results indicate that MMPs and TIMPs may play a crucial role in severe sepsis, especially TIMP-1, MMP-9, and possibly TIMP-2, after an extensive study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary. drdianamuhl@gmail.com
authors.forename: Diána
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mühl
authors.forename: Bálint
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nagy
authors.forename: Gábor
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Woth
authors.forename: Boglárka
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Falusi
authors.forename: Lajos
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bogár
authors.forename: György
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: János
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lantos
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000097:blood; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000097:blood; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018805:Sepsis / Q000097:blood*; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / Q000097:blood; D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 / Q000097:blood; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: C560822:TIMP1 protein, human; C560823:TIMP2 protein, human; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9