Involvement of Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in the Pathogenesis of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Objectives: Prior studies indicate that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays a key role in pathogenesis of plaque rupture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the involvement of serum MMP-9 enzyme at pathogenesis of the plaque rupture in coronary atherosclerosis. Methods: The study enrolled 80 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention in our institution. Inclusion in the case group (n = 40) required a ruptured coronary atherosclerotic plaque confirmed by conventional angiography, whereas inclusion in the control group (n = 40) required stable coronary atherosclerosis. Serum MMP-9 levels were determined by ELISA. Cardiac Infarction Injury Score (CIIS) by electrocardiogram and Gensini score (Coronary Angiographic Scoring System) were utilized for assessing the severity of coronary artery disease. Results: The average level of MMP-9 was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (396±155 ng/mL vs. 223±87 ng/mL, p<0.001). MMP-9 is well correlated with Gensini and CIIS score (r = 0.552, p<0.01 and r=0.340, p<0.01, respectively). Furthermore, serum MMP-9 enzyme significantly increased in accordance with the severity of the myocardium damage (p<0.01) by CIIS score. Conclusion: MMP-9 plays a role at pathogenesis of plaque rupture in coronary atherosclerosis.

Keywords

• matrix metalloproteinase 9
• myocardial infarction
• coronary atherosclerosis
• coronary angiography