Serum activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and stromielisin-1 concentration as predictors in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm neonates

Abstract

Aim: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is one of the most severe respiratory diseases, mainly related to premature neonates. Previous studies indicated the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the development of BPD. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9 with their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1 TIMP-2) and BPD occurrence in premature neonates. Material/Methods: Eighty-one patients, divided into four study groups, numbered from 1 to 4, depending on gestational age (25–28; 29–32; 33–36; 37–40 weeks), were enrolled. Venous blood was collected between 5 and 7 days after birth. The activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were determined with usage of gelatin zymography, whereas MMP-3, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was determined using the immunoassay ELISA. Results: BPD was diagnosed in 50% of patients from group 1 and 11% from group 2. The increase of MMP-2 activity in Group 2, and a decrease in MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio was noticed in Group 1 compared to Group 2 and 4. A significantly lower incidence of BPD in patients with higher (above the median) values for MMP-2/TIMP-2 (OR = 0.02, CI = 0.00 – 0.55; p <0.05) was noticed in Group 1. The decreased occurrence of BPD in patients with higher MMP-3 concentration, higher MMP-9 activity and the higher value of MMP-9/TIMP-1 did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: It has been shown that elevated activity of collagenolytic enzyme in serum, especially MMP-2, may have the effect of decreasing the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature neonates.