EVALUATION OF MMP-7, MMP-8, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, IL-6 AND HS CRP IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY SYNDROMES

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate serum levels of MMP-7, MMP-8, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, inflammatory marker IL-6 and hs CRP.in (CAD) patients with plaque instability. Design and method: Our study was done on 100 patients admitted in Cardiology Clinic of C.C. Iliescu Cardiovascular Institute,25 patients with stable angina(SAP)) with effort angina signs class I and II., 25 with unstable angina(UAP) and troponin I(Tl) (0.03 μg/L), 25 patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI)at presentation and 25 Controls free of coronary artery disease(CAD) evaluated by angiography. Blood samples were collected and processed by centrifugation at 3000 rpm and kept at – 70 C until the assay. Evaluation of serum levels of MMP-7 MMP-8, TIMP 1, TIMP2 and IL-6 was done by (ELISA) method. Results: There was a significant increase in MMP-8 levels in (AMI) group and a decrease in (UAP) on treatment versus Control. MMP-7 exhibited higher values both in(AMI) and (UAP) and a strong correlation with hs CRP and predominated in (SAP) patients.TIMP2 values were significantly decreased in (AMI) and TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 values decreased in (UAP) and(SAP) versus Controls. MMP7 levels did not correlate with those of IL-6 values which suggest the fact that MMP7 could be a marker of atherosclerosis which is independent of other traditionally markers of inflammation.. Conclusions: In (AMI) a significant increase in MMP-8 and decrease in TIMP-2 suggests that MMP-8 and TIMP-2 could be markers for vulnerable plaque independent of hsCRP for (AMI)patients. MMP-7 was elevated in (AMI) and was correlated with hsCRP. Balance in expression and activation of MMPs and inhibition by TIMPs is critical for the development of stenotic and aneurysm change. The development of therapeutic drugs specifically targeting MMPs may thus be useful for the prevention of atherosclerotic lesion progression, plaque rupture, and restenosis.