Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases in hypertensive patients before and after antihypertensive therapy

Aim: To test the hypothesis that MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 axe altered in hypertension reflecting alterations in ECM turnover and to assess whether chronic antihypertensive treatment with doxazosin would normalize these alterations. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 44 hypertensive patients before and after 4 months treatment with doxazosin. We measured fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA index), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (Tg), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), homocysteine (Hct) fibrinogen (Fg), C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and plasma levels and activities of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP- 1. Results: Significant FPI value decrease was observed in treated hypertensive group. SBP and DBP decrease was obtained in treated hypertensive group. Significant hs-CRP value was decreased in treated hypertensive patients. MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and activity, and TIMP-1 were significantly lower in treated hypertensive group. Conclusions: Plasma levels and activities of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP- 1 axe decreased in treated hypertensive patients compared to values before treatment.