Abstract 5103: Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Concentrations are Associated with Coronary Heart Disease Death in Men

Abstract

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) thins the protecting fibrous cap of the atherosclerotic plaque thereby increasing its vulnerability to unexpected rupture. However, results on the association of serum MMP-8 concentrations and coronary heart disease (CHD) death are very limited. Methods: We analysed the association of serum MMP-8 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) concentrations in a population-based prospective sample of 1018 men (aged 46 – 64 years) of the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease risk factor study with the follow-up time of 10 years. Results: During the follow-up, a total 172 of acute myocardial infarction and 62 deaths due to CHD occurred. MMP-8 concentrations were higher in men with prevalent cardiovascular disease or sub-clinical atherosclerosis (intima-media thickness ≥1 mm) at baseline than those without. MMP-8 concentrations were associated with the risk of acute myocardial infarction (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.23, p=0.011), death from CHD (RR=1.19, 95 % CI 1.08 –1.31, p<0.001) and all-causes (RR 1.15, 95 % CI 1.07 to 1.23, p<0.001) per one standard deviation (SD) increase, after adjustment for age, history of CHD, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, smoking and serum LDL and HDL cholesterol. Serum TIMP-1 concentrations alone had no independent predictive value for CHD. Conclusions: The results indicate that serum MMP-8 concentrations are elevated in prevalent CHD or subclinical atherosclerosis and elevated MMP-8 concentrations predict the risk of CHD outcomes.