title: Levels of matrix metalloproteinases differ in plasma and serum - aspects regarding analysis of biological markers in cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are inconsistencies in the use of serum or plasma when analysing the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as diagnostic or prognostic markers. The purpose of this study was to compare the concentration of MMP-1, -2, -7, -8, -9 and -13 in serum vs plasma samples.
  
  
  METHODS
  Blood samples were obtained from sixty-five men and women. Samples were analysed for levels of MMPs in corresponding citrate plasma and serum.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All MMPs expressed higher concentration in serum compared with plasma (P<0.01). There were no differences between genders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Present study demonstrated significant differences regarding concentrations of some MMPs using plasma vs serum. We conclude that future studies regarding MMPs as biological markers in cancer should consider the use of citrate plasma instead of serum.
authors.affiliation: Hallands Hospital Varberg, Region Halland, SE-432 37 Varberg, Sweden.|Fibrinolysis Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, SE-416 85, Göteborg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jonsson
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Kalmar Hospital, SE-391 26 Kalmar, Sweden.
authors.forename: Claes
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hjalmarsson
authors.affiliation: Fibrinolysis Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, SE-416 85, Göteborg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Falk
authors.affiliation: Hallands Hospital Varberg, Region Halland, SE-432 37 Varberg, Sweden.|Fibrinolysis Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, SE-416 85, Göteborg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Marie-Lois
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Ivarsson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood*; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection; D019343:Citric Acid; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000097:blood*; D010949:Plasma / Q000201:enzymology*; D044967:Serum / Q000201:enzymology*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D019343:Citric Acid; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases