Association of MMP-9 and TIMP1 Genes Expression With Pro-inflammatory Cytokines in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) is the main cause of death and is characterized by atherosclerosis in coronary arteries. Since Inflammation play an essential role in progression and development of atherosclerosis, we investigated the effects of interaction MMPs, TIMP and cytokines in the pathogensis of atherosclerosis.Method and resultsThe present study was consisted of 132 Iranian individuals underwent coronary angiography, 65 patients with CAD and 67 controls. The Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and vitamin D levels were measured by ELISA technique. The genes expression of MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1) were estimated by Real time PCR assay. A considerable increase in both levels and PBMC gene expression of MMP-9, serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were found in CAD patients compared with controls. While a significant decrease was detected in vitamin D levels of CAD patients in comparison with controls. A considerable direct correlation was found between MMP-9 levels and MMP-9 and TIMP1 genes expression in CAD patients. MMP-9 levels positively correlated with LDL-C and in CAD. Correlation between TIMP1 gene expression and IL-6 levels was also negatively significant. Moreover, there were positive correlations between MMP-9 levels and IL-6 and TNF-α serum levels in CAD patients.ConclusionThis study showed that the interaction between MMPs, TIMP and cytokines could play a role in the pathogensis of atherosclerosis.