MMP-2, MMP-9 and their inhibitors and other prothrombotic risk factors plasma level in FCH, MS, FCH plus MS and control subjects

Background: Recent evidences suggest that modulation of vascular structure by matrix metalloproteinases could be a main determinant of acute cardiovascular events in high-risk subjects. Methods: We consecutively selected 46 subjects affected by FCH (Familial Combined Hyperlipidaemia), 44 by MS (Metabolic Syndrome), 44 by FCH and MS, and 40 healthy subjects. All these subjects were firstly diagnosed and not treated with lipid lowering, antihypertensive nor antidiabetic drugs. A 12 hours fasting blood sample was obtained from each patient, and we dosed their plasma level of MMP2, MMP-9 and their inhibitors, and of Fibrinogen, Lp(a), Homocysteine, PAI-1, and CRP. Results: MMP-2 plasma level was not significantly different among the considered groups. Patients affected by FCH and MS have significantly higher plasma levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 compared to controls (p<0.001). However all these values were significantly higher in MS and MS-FCH than in FCH alone (p<0.001). Compared to FCH and healthy subjects, MS is associated to a significantly higher plasma value of Fibrinogen, Homocysteine, and PAI-1 (p<0.01). On the contrary, Lp(a) and CRP plasma levels were significantly higher in FCH subjects than in other conditions (p<0.01). No significant relationship has been observed among the studied parameters and plasma lipid levels. However, MMP-2 and MMP-9 plasma levels were strongly related to the glycaemic control in MS patients. Conclusion: Our study confirm the relevance of plasma prothrombotic risk markers as diagnostic parameters of MS against FCH. On the other hand, plasma Lp(a) and CRP could be more elevated in FCH patients.