Abstract
Objective: Matrix metalloproteinases and metalloproteinase PAPP-A participate in process of atherosclerotic plaque degradation. Serum levels of circulating metalloproteinases are altered in subjects with atherosclerosis.
This study aimed to examine the effect of diet and pharmacotherapy by statins on MMPs and PAPP-A levels after 3 months of therapy. Material and Methods: We examined 40 patients with mixed form of dyslipoproteinemia and 40 normolipidemic healthy controls.
Moreover, reference values for MMP-3 and MMP-9 in healthy subjects were determined. We measured serum parameters of lipid metabolism (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides) using ADVIA 1650 analyzer with the reagents Bayer.
MMPs and PAPP-A were measured using immunochemical methods. Results: We noted no changes in lipid parameters after diet therapy.
On the other hand, all lipid parameter concentrations except HDL-cholesterol were affected by pharmacotherapy. We determined serum levels for MMP-9 (16.33 +- 1.72 g/l) and MMP-3 (7.52 +- 0.71 g/l) in healthy subjects.
Mean values for MMP-3 were 8.31 +- 1.36 g/l before diet and 5.40 +- 0.99 g/l after diet; 8.31 +- 1.36 g/l before and 5.40 +- 0.99 g/l after pharmacotherapy. Hypolipidemics caused a decrease in MMP-9 concentrations (38.32 +- 4.50 g/l vs. 27.36 +- 2.58 g/l; p < 0.05 ).
Both diet and pharmacotherapy lead to decrease of PAPP-A serum values: 9.44 +- 0.47 mU/l vs. 7.97 +- 0.41 mU/l by diet, 7.99 +- 0.48 mU/l vs. 5.71 +- 0.38 mU/l by pharmacotherapy (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Circulating levels of metalloproteinases, especially of PAPP-A, are altered by both pharmacotherapy and diet.
MMPs and PAPP-A might be considered as independent predictors of developed atherosclerosis. Furthermore, in monitoring of lipids-lowering therapy these enzymes may be applied.