title: Altered metalloproteinase-9 expression as least common denominator between varicocele, inguinal hernia, and chronic venous disorders.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Varicocele, inguinal hernia, and clinical manifestations related to chronic venous disorders are often associated, and collagen metabolism together with metalloproteinases (MMPs) alterations may be implicated. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between these factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated tissue and plasma samples from patients with varicocele, inguinal hernia, and great saphenous vein reflux, who underwent surgical treatment for their conditions. We then analyzed and correlated these findings with MMP levels.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significantly higher levels of MMP-1, -2, -12, and -13 were found in patients with inguinal hernia. MMP-9 levels were higher in patients with at least two of the conditions indicated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MMP-9 seems to be the common thread in various clinical conditions and is related to a more general and progressive disorder of collagen metabolism.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy; Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology, International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy. Electronic address: rserra@unicz.it.
authors.forename: Raffaele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Serra
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Buffone
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Costanzo
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Rossella
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Montemurro
authors.affiliation: Unit of Vascular Surgery, Annunziata Hospital of Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy.
authors.forename: Edoardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Scarcello
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Domenico Marco
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Stillitano
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Rocco
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Damiano
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy; Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology, International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: de Franciscis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000201:enzymology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000201:enzymology*; D015854:Up-Regulation; D014646:Varicocele / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000201:enzymology*; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000201:enzymology*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; C579270:MMP9 protein, human; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9