Abstract

To assess baseline and follow-up plasma concentrations of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), MMP-2, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in patients undergoing carotid thromboendarterectomy (TEA) in relation to tissue expression and diagnostic features. Using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, plasma levels of enzymes were determined in 15 patients undergoing carotid TEA. Tissue sections were incubated with specific antibodies and fluorescence intensity was analyzed. MMP-9 levels were higher in patients with carotid stenosis versus controls, significantly in those with cerebral lesions at neuroimaging. MMP-9 levels decreased in 93.4% of the patients at 1 month. MMP-2 levels tended to increase 30 days after surgery. TIMP-2 showed no difference. High concentrations of MMP-9 found in patients with carotid stenosis and cerebral lesions suggest that MMP-9 assay could be useful in the evaluation of all carotid lesions to help identify those at highest risk of a neurologic event.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.