Correlation of levels of serum Hcy and MMP-9 with carotid intima-media thickness in patients with essential hypertension

Abstract

Objective To investigate the correlation of levels of Hyperhomocysteinemia (Hcy) and Matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) with intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients with essential hypertension (EH).Methods 100 cases with EH and 30 healthy control subjects were selected.The levels of serum Hcy and MMP-9 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The IMT was detected by high-resolution ultrasound which as a index of large vessels atherosclerosis.Results The levels of serum Hcy and MMP-9 in EH group were significantly higher than those in control group( t =4.52,4.78,4.19,all P ＜ 0.05 ).With the increased level of blood pressure classification IMT progressively thicker,and carotid atherosclerosis extent gradually increased,Hcy and MMP-9 increased significantly.The levels of Hcy and MMP-9 were significantly higher showed significant diference( all P ＜0.05 ) ; the levels of serum Hcy and MMP-9 were positively correlated with IMT ( r =0.352,0.326,all P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusion The levels of serum Hey and MMP-9 rere positively correlated with IMT in EH patients,and it suggested that Hcy and MMP-9 participate the pathological process of arteriosclerosis. Key words: Hypertension; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Matrix metalloproteinase-9; Intima-media thickness