Change in matrix metalloproteinase 2, 3, and 9 levels at the time of and after acute atherothrombotic myocardial infarction.

Abstract

Elevated measures of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are associated with acute myocardial infarction (MI), but it is not known how long these changes persist post-MI or if these measures differ between atherothrombotic versus non-atherothrombotic MI. MMPs-2, 3, and 9 were measured in 80 subjects with acute MI (atherothrombotic and non-atherothrombotic MI) or stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Measurements were made at, the time of acute MI, and > 3-month following acute MI (quiescent phase). Outcome measures were compared between groups and between time of acute MI and quiescent post-MI follow-up using Wilcoxon's and repeated measures analysis of variance. Forty-nine subjects met the criteria for acute MI with clearly defined atherothrombotic (n = 22) and non-atherothrombotic (n = 12) subsets. Fifteen subjects met criteria for stable CAD. MMP-3 was higher in acute MI versus stable CAD subjects at the time of acute MI: (453 vs. 217pg/mL, p = 0.010) but not at quiescent phase follow-up (p > 0.05). MMP-9 was higher in acute MI versus stable CAD subjects at the time of acute MI: (412 vs. 168pg/mL, p = 0.002) but not at the quiescent phase follow-up (p > 0.05). MMP-9 was higher at the time of acute MI versus quiescent phase follow-up in acute MI (412 vs. 213pg/mL, p = 0.001) and atherothrombotic MI specifically (458 vs. 212pg/mL, p = 0.001). No difference in MMP-2, 3, or 9 was observed between atherothrombotic versus non-atherothrombotic MI subgroups. MMPs-3 and 9 are significantly elevated in acute MI verses stable CAD subjects at time of acute MI but not different at quiescent phase follow-up. MMP-9 is elevated at the time of acute MI and specifically in acute atherothrombotic MI at time of MI versus quiescent phase follow-up.