The effect of magnesium sulfate on the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in fetal cord plasma and human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Abstract

Clinical evidence suggests that magnesium sulfate may reduce the risk of fetal neurologic injury in preterm delivery. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels are elevated in preterm labor patients. There is evidence that MMP-9 may break down the blood-brain barrier in humans, causing cytokine mediated cell injury. Our objective was to determine whether the addition of magnesium sulfate attenuates activity of MMP-9, a complex zinc-dependent enzyme, in fetal cord plasma. We collected cord plasma in 6 term, unlabored patients. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we measured the activity of MMP-9 with varying concentrations of magnesium sulfate added in vitro. Results were verified using a human umbilical cord vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) line. Addition of physiologic doses of magnesium sulfate (0.07 mg/mL) resulted in a 25% decrease in active MMP-9 (P = .03). In a HUVEC line, magnesium sulfate resulted in a 32% decrease in MMP-9 activity (P = .00012). The addition of magnesium sulfate attenuated MMP-9 activity in cord plasma and in a HUVEC line.