Serum Levels Of MMP-9 Research Articles

Combined Administration of Curcumin and Chondroitin Sulfate Alleviates Cartilage Injury and Inflammation via NF-κB Pathway in Knee Osteoarthritis Rats.

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative chronic disease that most often occurs in the knee joint. Studies have shown that some food supplements, such as curcumin and chondroitin sulfate, are effective in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by exhibiting different protective effects. In this study, we further investigated the combined therapeutic effects of curcumin and chondroitin sulfate on cartilage injury in rats with arthritis. Methods: An experimental KOA model was induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) in rats. All rats were randomly divided into five groups: Ctrl (control), model (saline), Cur (20 mg/kg curcumin in saline), CS (100 mg/kg chondroitin sulfate in saline), and CA (20 mg/kg curcumin and 100 mg/kg chondroitin sulfate in saline); drugs were given 2 weeks after MIA injection. The histomorphological changes of cartilage were observed by safranin fast green staining, H&E staining, and micro-CT scanning. Also, the levels of PGE2, TNF-α and IL-1β in the arthral fluid and serum were determined by the ELISA kits. The activities of SOD, CAT, COMP, MMP-3, and type II collagen were detected by biochemical kits. The expressions of TLR4, p-NF-κB, NF-κB, and COX-2 in cartilage were detected by Western blot. Results: Data show that serum levels of IL-1β (p < 0.05), SOD (p < 0.0001), and MMP-3 (p < 0.001) were downregulated significantly in the CA group when compared to those in the model group. Meanwhile, obvious repair of cartilage with higher contains collagen II (p < 0.0001) could be observed in the CA group than the ones in Cur or CS group. In addition, significant downregulation of the expression of p-p65/p65 (p < 0.05) was found in the CA group. Conclusion: Our findings showed that combined administration of curcumin and chondroitin sulfate could exert better repair for KOA in rat models. This may hold great promise for discovering potential drugs to treat KOA and may improve treatment options for it.

Effect of Network-Based Positive Psychological Nursing Model Combined With Elemene Injection on Negative Emotions, Immune Function and Quality of Life in Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy in the Era of Big Data

BackgroundWith the development of big data, big data interpenetrate in every person's life. Health care is no exception to this trend, especially in regard to nursing analytics. The data that is analyzed and leveraged in this field is gathered from a variety of sources, including electronic health records (EHRs), medical histories, provider notes and mobile applications, creating an accumulation of personalized health information around each individual.ObjectiveTo explore the effect of the network-based positive psychological nursing model combined with elemene injection on negative emotions, immune function and quality of life (QOL) in patients with lung cancer (LC) undergoing chemotherapy.MethodsThe clinical data of 90 LC patients who underwent chemotherapy in our hospital from December 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and the patients were equally split into experimental group (EG) and control group (CG) according to the order of enrollment. The patients in CG received routine nursing intervention during chemotherapy, while those in EG received the network-based positive psychological nursing model combined with elemene injection to compare negative emotions, immune function and quality of life (QOL) between the two groups.ResultsCompared with CG, EG had notably higher immune function indexes (P < 0.001), lower serum VEGF and MMP-2 levels (P < 0.001), lower HAMA and HAMD scores (P < 0.05), and higher scores of PTGI, physiological function, psychological function, social function and physical function (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe network-based positive psychological nursing model combined with elemene injection is a reliable method to enhance the immune function and QOL of LC patients undergoing chemotherapy and alleviate their negative emotions, which has a high clinical application value.

Association of Serum MMP-9 Level and Lung Function in New Pulmonary Tuberculosis Case

Background: Histopathological abnormalities of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) include caseous granuloma formation, tissue damage, and cavity formation, all of which could lead to per-manent changes in the pulmonary anatomy. In pulmonary TB, an increase in serum Matrix Metallo-proteinase (MMP)-9 correlates with disease severity and worse prognosis. This study aims to ana-lyze the association between serum MMP-9 levels and the values of FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was conducted at the Tuberculosis Outpatient Clinic, Dr. Soetomo Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia. Spirome-try and serum MMP-9 levels were examined in new pulmonary TB patients prior to anti-tuberculosis therapy. The relationship between serum MMP-9 levels and results of spirometry ex-amination was then analyzed. Results: There were 44 new pulmonary TB cases with a mean age of 37.90 ± 15.15 years. The pa-tients who experienced symptoms in &lt;1 month were 20.5%, ≥ 1 month were 59.1%, and ≥ 2 months were 20.4%. The mean MMP-9 serum level was 11.27 ± 5.47 ng/ml. Spirometry results were: FVC 1.83 ± 0.69 L, FVC predicted 56.24 ± 18.74%, FEV1 1.71 ± 0.72 L/sec, FEV1 predicted 60.85 ± 21.30%, and FEV1/FVC 104.16 ± 17.45%. In pulmonary TB patients with symptoms experienced in &lt;1 month, a significant relationship between MMP-9 and FVC levels was found with r = -0.839 (p = 0.005). Conclusion: There is a correlation between serum MMP-9 level and restrictive pulmonary impair-ment in new pulmonary TB cases with symptoms experienced in &lt;1 month.

APOL1 Kidney Risk Variants and Proteomics.

The APOL1 risk variants (G1 and G2) are associated with kidney disease among Black adults, but the clinical presentation is heterogeneous. In mouse models and cell systems, increased gene expression of G1 and G2 confers cytotoxicity. How APOL1 risk variants relate to the circulating proteome warrants further investigation. Among 461 African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) participants (mean age: 54 years; 41% women; mean GFR: 46 ml/min per 1.73 m2), we evaluated associations of APOL1 risk variants with 6790 serum proteins (measured via SOMAscan) using linear regression models. Covariates included age, sex, percentage of European ancestry, and protein principal components 1-5. Associated proteins were then evaluated as mediators of APOL1-associated risk for kidney failure. Findings were replicated among 875 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study Black participants (mean age: 75 years; 66% women; mean eGFR: 67 ml/min per 1.73 m2). In the AASK study, having two (versus zero or one) APOL1 risk alleles was associated with lower serum levels of APOL1 (P=3.11E-13; P=3.12E-06 [two aptamers]), APOL2 (P=1.45E-10), CLSTN2 (P=2.66E-06), MMP-2 (P=2.96E-06), SPOCK2 (P=2.57E-05), and TIMP-2 (P=2.98E-05) proteins. In the ARIC study, APOL1 risk alleles were associated with APOL1 (P=1.28E-11); MMP-2 (P=0.004) and TIMP-2 (P=0.007) were associated only in an additive model, and APOL2 was not available. APOL1 high-risk status was associated with a 1.6-fold greater risk of kidney failure in the AASK study; none of the identified proteins mediated this association. APOL1 protein levels were not associated with kidney failure in either cohort. APOL1 risk variants were strongly associated with lower circulating levels of APOL1 and other proteins, but none mediated the APOL1-associated risk for kidney failure. APOL1 protein level was also not associated with kidney failure.

Assessment of plasma level of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in patients with sickle cell disease and its relationship to myocardial iron overload

Background Cardiac iron overload is secondary to chronic blood transfusion in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Iron overload cardiomyopathy is a restrictive cardiomyopathy associated with systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases responsible for tissue remodeling. Many studies offer strong evidence for the role of MMP-9 in left ventricular (LV) remodeling. Objective The authors aimed to detect the plasma levels of MMP-9 in patients with SCD and its relationship to myocardial iron overload. Materials and methods A case–control study was carried out on 75 patients with SCD and 75 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. Assessment of cardiac iron overload in patients by MRI T2* was performed. Plasma MMP-9 levels were measured for patients and controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Patients with SCD had significantly higher levels of MMP-9 than controls. There was a highly significant relationship between plasma levels of MMP-9 and each of cardiac T2* and serum ferritin. Patients with vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) greater than 5/year had significantly higher levels of MMP-9 than those with VOC less than or equal to 5 /year. Conclusion MMP-9 seems to be a useful marker in patients with SCD. Patients with cardiac T2* less than 20 ms, serum ferritin greater than 1000 ng/ml, and recurrent VOC greater than 5/year had significantly higher MMP-9 serum levels than others.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation promotes connective tissue remodeling in systemic sclerosis patients

BackgroundAutologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) treats patients with severe and progressive systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, basic mechanisms associated with the therapeutic efficacy of the procedure are not entirely understood. We aimed to evaluate how AHSCT affects skin fibrosis in SSc patients.MethodsClinical data, serum, and skin samples from 39 SSc patients who underwent AHSCT were retrospectively evaluated. Skin biopsies were analyzed by immunohistochemistry with anti-MMP-1, -MMP-2, -MMP-3, -MMP-9, -TIMP-1, -α-SMA, -TGF-β, and -NF-κB p65 antibodies, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and picrosirius red to assess skin thickness and collagen density, respectively. Serum samples were evaluated by Multiplex Assay for COL1A1, COL4A1, FGF-1, MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-12, MMP-13, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, S100A9, and TIMP-1 levels and compared to healthy controls.ResultsAfter AHSCT, SSc patients showed clinical improvement in skin involvement, assessed by modified Rodnan’s skin score (mRSS). Histologically, collagen density and skin thickness decreased after AHSCT. Immunohistochemical analyses showed increased expression of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 after AHSCT, whereas expression of NF-κB p65 decreased. At baseline, serum levels of COL4A1 and S100A9 were higher than in healthy controls. Serum levels of S100A9 normalized after AHCST in SSc patients compared to controls. Serum levels of PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, TIMP-1, and MMP-1 decreased, while COL1A1 increased after AHSCT in SSc patients. No changes were detected in MMP-3, MMP-12, MMP-13, and FGF-1 serum levels after AHSCT.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the therapeutic effects of AHSCT on skin fibrosis are related to changes in molecules associated with connective tissue maintenance and inflammation in SSc.

Cuscuta Chinensis potentiate the effect of methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis Induced Rats.

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic destructive inflammatory disease related to a breakdown in immune tolerance. This disease is characterized by joint inflammation, swelling, and in severe cases deformation may occur. Cuscuta Chinensis (C. Chinensis) is a parasitic plant, grow around other plants to absorb nutrient and water from them. C. Chinensis has a wide range of chemicals that produce a wide range of pharmacological activates. Because of its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, it was considered as a good candidate to assess its role in RA. Methods: Rheumatoid arthritis was induced by injection of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant inside the foot-pad of male albino rats. The animals were grouped in four groups as follows group 1 considered as a normal control group, group 2 consider as positive control arthritis, group 3 treated with methotrexate (MTX), group 4 treated with MTX and C. Chinensis extract. On day 14 of immunization, treatments began and last for 21 days, at the end of the experiment all animals were sacrificed and serum was collected. The serum markers that had been evaluated were MMP3, VEGF, and SOD. Throughout the experiment time the body weight was evaluated. Results The combination significantly (P-value ≤ 0.05) improves objective parameter of RA which was the body weight. Also significantly decrease (P-value ≤ 0.05) the serum level of MMP3, VEGF, and considerably increase serum SOD. Conclusion: The combination has a significant beneficial role in suppression of destructive enzyme (MMP3), angiogenic stimulators (VEGF), and increase serum SOD enzyme.

Elevated Pre-Treatment Serum MMP-7 Levels Are Associated with the Presence of Metastasis and Poor Survival in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare cancer with a barely predictable clinical behaviour. Serum MMP-7 is a validated prognostic marker in urothelial bladder cancer, a tumour entity with large clinical, histological, and molecular similarity to UTUC. The serum MMP-7 levels have not yet been investigated in UTUC. In the present study, we determined MMP-7 concentrations in an overall number of 103 serum samples from 57 UTUC patients who underwent surgical or systemic (platinum or immune checkpoint inhibitor) therapy by using the ELISA method. In addition to pre-treatment samples, the serum samples collected at predefined time points after or during therapy were also investigated. Serum MMP-7 concentrations were correlated with clinicopathological and follow-up data. Our results revealed significantly, two-fold elevated pre-treatment serum MMP-7 levels in metastatic cases of UTUC in both the radical surgery- and the chemotherapy-treated cohorts (p = 0.045 and p = 0.040, respectively). In addition, high serum MMP-7 levels significantly decreased after radical surgery, and high pre-treatment MMP-7 concentrations were associated with shorter survival both in the surgery- and chemotherapy-treated cohorts (p = 0.029 and p = 0.001, respectively). Our results revealed pre-treatment serum MMP-7 as a prognostic marker for UTUC, which may help to improve preoperative risk-stratification and thereby improve therapeutic decision-making.

Concentration of Selected Metalloproteinases and Osteocalcin in the Serum and Synovial Fluid of Obese Women with Advanced Knee Osteoarthritis.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of selected MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) and osteocalcin in the serum and synovial fluid of obese women with osteoarthritis and their correlations with clinical status. The studied group consisted of 39 overweight females undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis (OA). The staging of knee OA was evaluated according to the Ahlbӓck and Kellgren–Lawrence scores. Synovial fluid and peripheral blood samples were obtained. The levels of selected MMPs and osteocalcin were assessed using commercial ELISA kits. The mean value of MMP3 was significantly higher in patients with more advanced disease in both serum (p = 0.0067) and synovial fluid (p = 0.0328). The pro-MMP13 level tended to be higher in synovial fluid in the case of more advanced stages (p = 0.0882), with no tendency regarding the serum level (p = 0.9595). The synovial level of pro-MMP1 was significantly correlated with the synovial concentration of MMP9 and MMP3. The synovial level of MMP9 also showed a significant correlation with the synovial level of MMP3 and pro-MMP13. Furthermore, it was found that the serum level of MMP3 was significantly correlated with the synovial pro-MMP13 level. A correlation between the osteocalcin level in serum and its synovial level was determined. The serum MMP9 level showed a significant correlation with BMI, whereas the synovial MMP9 level was notably correlated with age. Our results showed that the levels of MMP3, MMP9, and pro-MMP13 increased in more advanced radiological stages of OA, indicating the underlying inflammatory process of OA.

Changes in Serum Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1 in Patients with Essential Hypertension.

Hypertension (HTN) is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are thought to be actively involved in the remodeling of the CV extracellular matrix (ECM) during hypertensive damage. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate serum levels of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in patients with essential HTN and compare them with those of normotensive individuals. We measured serum concentrations of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in 60 patients with HTN and 20 healthy controls using an ELISA. The obtained results showed that in patients with HTN, the mean levels of MMP-1 (1.82 ± 0.9 ng/mL) were significantly higher (p = 0.03) than the mean levels in the control group (1.19 ± 0.7 ng/mL). The levels of TIMP-1 in patients with essential HTN (0.44 ± 0.1 ng/mL) were also significantly higher (p = 0.005) than those in the control group (0.33 ± 0.1 ng/mL). In HTN, elevated serum MMP-1 levels may be associated with increased collagen degradation in the CV ECM, whereas elevated TIMP-1 levels may favor its accumulation and the development of pathological remodeling and fibrosis of the heart and arterial vessels.

Circulating Levels of PD-L1, TIM-3 and MMP-7 Are Promising Biomarkers to Differentiate COVID-19 Patients That Require Invasive Mechanical Ventilation.

Background: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Many COVID-19 patients require invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) while others, even with acute respiratory failure, do not (NIMV). Therefore, we aimed to evaluate serum levels of MMP-7 and molecules related to exhausted T-cells as potential biomarkers to differentiate between IMV and NIMV patients. Methods: 105 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and confirmed by RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 were divided into two groups according to the requirement for IMV. Serum levels of sPD-L1, sPD-L2, sTIM-3, sGal-9 and sMMP-7 were quantified by ELISA and correlated with clinical data. Twelve patients were followed up after eight months to compare the levels of the biomarkers between acute disease and post-COVID-19. Results: IMV patients experienced a lower PaO2/FiO2 (p < 0.0001) and a longer hospital stay (p < 0.0001), and exhibited higher levels of sPD-L1 (p < 0.05), sTIM-3 (p < 0.01) and sMMP-7 (p < 0.0001) when compared with NIMV patients. According to a ROC analysis, sMMP-7 had the highest sensitivity (78%) and specificity (76%) with a cut point of 4.5 ng/mL, followed by sTIM-3 and sPD-L1. Eight months post-COVID-19, IMV patients displayed a significant decrease in the initially high levels of sPD-L1, sTIM-3 and sGal-9, while sPD-L2 was increased, and sMMP-7 was unchanged. Conclusion: Circulating levels of sPD-L1, sTIM-3 and sMMP-7 are potential biomarkers of disease severity to distinguish patients requiring IMV. MMP-7 could also be a marker for the persistence of lung lesions post-COVID-19.

Pulmonary Functions and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Post-Pulmonary Tuberculosis Sequelae.

Background Post-tuberculosis (TB) sequelae is a commonly encountered clinical entity, especially in high TB burden countries. This may represent chronic anatomic sequelae of previously treated TB, with frequent symptomatic presentation. This pilot study was aimed to investigate the pulmonary functions and systemic inflammatory markers in patients with post-TB sequelae (PTBS) and to compare them with post-TB without sequelae (PTBWS) participants and healthy controls.Methods A total of 30 participants were enrolled, PTBS (n=10), PTBWS (n=10), and healthy controls (n=10). Pulmonary function tests included spirometry and measurement of airway impedance by impulse oscillometry. Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, transforming growth factor-β, and interferon-γ were estimated.Results Slow vital capacity (SVC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow were significantly lower in PTBS as compared to controls. SVC and FEV1 were significantly less in PTBS as compared to PTBWS. Total airway impedance (Z5), total airway resistance (R5), central airway resistance (R20), area of reactance (Ax), and resonant frequency (Fres) were significantly higher and respiratory reactance at 5 and 20 Hz (X5, X20) were significantly lower in PTBS as compared to PTBWS. Spirometry parameters correlated with impulse oscillometry parameters in PTBS. Serum MMP-1 level was significantly higher in PTBS as compared to other groups.Conclusion Significant pulmonary function impairment was observed in PTBS, and raised serum MMP-1 levels compared with PTBWS and healthy controls. Follow-up pulmonary function testing is recommended after treatment of TB for early diagnosis and treatment of PTBS.

COMPARISON ON VALUES OF MMP-2 AND PRO-BNP TO IDENTIFY THE RISK OF ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS

Introduction: The present study has been planned to assess the levels of MMP-2 and Pro-BNP in patients suffering with Diabetes mellitus. the study showed that levels of above said inammatory biomarkers at different time intervals and it was rst to report the levels of biomarkers in AMI patients with DM. Material And Methods: 86 patients were selected and divided into two groups, Group A included 43 healthy volunteers, Group B included patients with DM and suffering from AMI. Blood concentration of biochemical parameters related to AMI was assessed at the baseline and levels of MMP-2 and Pro-BNP were assessed via ELISA kits at 0th , 30th ,60th and 90th day of the enrolment of DM patients with AMI. Results: Assessment of biochemical parameters were done and found signicantly increased levels was found in group B as compared to group A. Among the DM patients with AMI (conrmed as per guidelines) in group B, MMP-2 and Pro-BNP levels were found signicantly decreased on 0th day to 30th day (P=5.28E-16 and P=1.5E-22), 30th day to 60th day (P=1.04E-07and P=1.2E-30)and 60th day to 90th day (P=5.37E-05 and P=1.66E-12) respectively. Plasma levels of Pro-BNP and MMP-2 were correlated and Pro-BNP levels were still found signicantly increased on the 90th day of enrolment of DM patients. Discussion Time dependent relationships were found in Pro-BNP and MMP-2 serum levels, therefore these biomarkers were directly correlated with AMI. At 90th day, Pro-BNP levels were found signicantly increased as compared to healthy volunteers of group A.

Association of Promoter Polymorphism of MMP-1 rs1799750 and MMP-3 rs3025058 with circulating levels of MMP-1 and MMP-3 in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

The genetic background of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is only partly understood and several genes seem to be involved. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MMP1 (interstitial collagenase) and MMP3 (stromelysin 1) as most studied enzymes in RA. In the present study, we have investigated the genotypic and haplotypic relationships of the MMP-1 and MMP-3 genes with circulating levels of these MMPs. Functional relevance in single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)in rs1799750 (1G/2G, MMP-1 promoter) and rs3025058 (5A/6A, MMP-3 promoter) genotyped in 60 RA patients and 60 healthy control is used to determine association of polymorphisms with the severity of the disease. The MMP-3 SNPs were associated with serum MMP-3 level (P &lt;0.05) and were associated with disease activity score (DAS28). We observed that MMP-1 SNPs were lacking in association with disease activity. Our findings conclude that several closely linked polymorphisms in the MMP-1–MMP-3 loci have an important role in determining the circulating levels of these MMPs in RA and that MMP-3 polymorphism is associated with the disease severity.

Serum Levels of MMP-8 and MMP-9 as Markers in Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurological disease that involves the collection of blood products in the subdural space. The progression of CSDH is an angiogenic and inflammatory process, but the multifactorial mechanisms underlying CSDH are still not fully understood. We aimed to identify one or more factors that may play an important role in the development of CSDH. We enrolled 83 patients with CSDH, including 17 postoperative patients, and analyzed 20 markers in the hematoma fluid and peripheral blood of each patient. Overall differential gene expression was examined to identify the representative markers. The concentration of MMP-8 was significantly lower in the postoperative group than in the preoperative group. The concentration of MMP-9 was significantly higher in the postoperative group than in the preoperative group. These findings indicate that MMP-8 and MMP-9 may play important roles in the pathophysiology of CSDH. Understanding the pathways associated with CSDH may provide insights for improving disease outcomes.

Relationship of interleukin‐23 with matrix metalloproteinase‐9, pentraxin‐3, sleep quality and prostate size in benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is known to be associated with sleep disturbance and inflammation. The objective of the study was to assess the levels of serum MMP-9 and its inhibitor (TIMP-1), interleukin-23 and pentraxin-3 and their association with sleep quality index and prostate size in BPH patients. Eighty-eight BPH patients were recruited based on clinical and ultrasound findings. MMP-9 and its inhibitor (TIMP-1), interleukin-23 and pentraxin-3 were estimated in all the subjects. Sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PQSI). Interleukin-23 was significantly correlated with prostate size (p=0.031), TIMP-1 (p=0.035), MMP-9 (p=0.004) and PSQI score (p=0.020). TIMP-1 was significantly correlated with MMP-9 (p=0.006) and prostate size (p=0.016). Pentraxin-3 was positively correlated with PSQI score (p=0.047). Multivariate analysis shows that interleukin -23 (p=0.006) predicts prostate enlargement in BPH patients. Interleukin-23 was significantly increased in BPH patients with PSQI score >9 compared to those with PSQI <9. We conclude that poor sleep quality contributes to inflammation in BPH. Inflammation leads to prostate enlargement in patients with BPH.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 3 and 9 as biomarkers of severity in COVID-19 patients

The molecular basis of the wide clinical heterogeneity of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still unknown. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may have a role in the lung damage and regeneration that occur in severe patients. We studied serum MMP3 and MMP9 as potential biomarkers of COVID-19 severity, in 108 hospitalized patients with different World Health Organization (WHO) severity stage and in 48 controls. At hospital admission, serum MMP3 was increased in COVID-19 patients with a significant trend along the progression of the WHO stage, while serum levels of MMP9 were significantly increased in COVID-19 patients with no correlation with disease severity. At 1 week from hospitalization, MMP3 was reduced, suggesting an early pathogenic role of the protein in lung inflammation, while MMP9 levels were further increased, indicating a late role of the protein in the inflammatory process, specifically during the repairing phase. Furthermore, serum MMP9 was positively correlated with serum interleukin-6, myeloperoxidase, and circulating neutrophils and monocytes number. In conclusion, serum MMP3 may help to early predict the severity of COVID-19 and both proteins, MMP3 and MMP9, may contribute to define severe COVID-19 patients that may benefit from a targeted therapy on MMPs.

Effect of Comprehensive Nursing Intervention on the Effect of CT-Guided Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Cerebral Infarction.

Objective To investigate the effect of comprehensive nursing intervention on the effect of CT-guided intravenous thrombolytic therapy for acute cerebral infarction. Methods 99 patients with acute cerebral infarction in the internal carotid artery system who were hospitalized in our department from December 2019 to December 2020 with an onset of 3–9 h were selected and randomly divided into two groups. All patients underwent multimode CT examinations and received rt-PA thrombolytic therapy. 52 patients with conventional care were included in the control group, and 47 patients with comprehensive nursing intervention were included in the observation group. The influence characteristics, Barthel score, serum MMP-9 level, and NIHSS score were compared between the two groups. Results After the comprehensive nursing intervention, the total efficiency, total satisfaction, psychological status, and Barthel score of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The serum MMP-9 level and NIHSS score were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The use of comprehensive nursing interventions in the CT-guided intravenous thrombolysis treatment of ACI patients reduced the degree of neurological impairment, improved the therapeutic effect, increased nursing satisfaction, and enabled better control of the condition of patients with cerebral infarction, which is worth promoting research.

Elevated serum matrix metalloproteinase-2 levels in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction and Cheyne-Stokes respiration.

Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR), a kind of central sleep apnea, is referred to as a poor prognostic factor in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) play important roles in HFrEF patients and are markers of poor prognosis. However, there is no literature mentioning the changes in MMP and BNP in HFrEF patients with CSR. From June 2018 to June 2019, 41 adult patients with stable heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% were enrolled from the cardiology clinic. After history-taking and medication review to exclude possible central nervous system- or medication-related central sleep apnea, an overnight polysomnography study was performed, and CSR was identified. The morning serum MMP-2, MMP-9, and BNP levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and fluorescence immunoassay techniques. A positive airway pressure device was applied to 7 patients for 3 months. The serum MMP-2 and BNP levels were significantly higher in HFrEF patients with CSR than in patients without CSR. In addition, elevated serum MMP-2 levels correlated well with the severity of sleep apnea and intermittent hypoxia, which were represented as the apnea-hypopnea index and the oxygen desaturation index. No positive correlation was found between those markers and left ventricular ejection fraction. Finally, the treatment of sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure for 3 months tended to reduce the elevated serum MMP-2 levels. Higher serum MMP-2 and BNP levels were found in HFrEF patients with CSR. Elevated MMP-2 levels were correlated with the severity of sleep apnea and intermittent hypoxia. Chuang L-P, Pang J-HS, Lin S-W, etal. Elevated serum matrix metalloproteinase-2 levels in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction and Cheyne-Stokes respiration. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(5):1365-1373.

Extracellular matrix remodeling in anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: What place on the pedestal?

ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and 9 and the gene polymorphisms of MMP-2 (rs243865) and MMP-9 (rs3918242) in the course of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) in women without previous cardiovascular diseases (CVD) during 24-months. MethodsA total of 114 women (47.0 [44.0; 52.0] years old) with AIC of NYHA class I-III who received doxorubicin for breast cancer were enrolled. ResultsAfter 24 months patients had breast cancer remission and were divided into 2 groups: group 1 comprised women with adverse course of AIC (n = 54), group 2 comprised those without it (n = 60). Serum levels of MMP-2 were higher by 8% (p = 0.017) MMP9 by 18.4% (p < 0.001) in group 1 than in group 2. In group 1 the levels of MMP-2 increased (p < 0.001) from 376.8 (329.5; 426.7) to 481.4 (389.8; 518.7) pg/mL, and MMP-9 increased (p < 0.001) from 23.6 (21.4; 24.6) to 26.0 (23.3; 27.0) pg/mL at 24 months. In group 2 the both MMP-2 and MMP-9 level decreased at 24 months. Based on ROC-analysis, the levels of MMP2 ≥ 388.2 pg/mL (AUС = 0.64; р = 0.013) and MMP-9 ≥ 21.25 pg/mL (AUС = 0.9; р < 0.001) were identified as predictors for adverse course of AIHF. The presence of C/C genotype of MMP2 (OR = 4.76; p = 0.029) and C/C genotype of MMP-9 (OR = 15.2; p < 0.0001) were related with adverse course of AIHF and higher levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9. ConclusionGene polymorphisms of MMP-2 (rs243865) and MMP-9 (rs3918242) and serum levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in women without previous CVD were associated with adverse course of AIC during 24 months.