Plasma Concentrations and Genetic Variation of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 and Prognosis of Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 secretion by macrophages and other inflammatory cells accelerates atherosclerotic progression and destabilizes vulnerable plaque in animal models. However, epidemiological data evaluating the prognostic impact of circulating concentrations and functional genetic variations of MMP-9 are lacking. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a prospective study of 1127 patients with documented coronary artery disease, we measured baseline plasma MMP-9 levels and determined the MMP-9/C-1562T and MMP-9/R279Q genotypes. During the follow-up period (mean of 4.1 years), 97 patients died from cardiovascular (CV) causes. Median concentrations of MMP-9 were significantly higher among patients who…

• IN
  Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale
• SR
  Stiftung Rheinland-Pfalz für Innovation

  Award: AZ 15202-386261/545