Endothelial function and plasma matrix metalloproteinase‐2 levels and their association with the size and elastic properties of the ascending aorta in first‐degree relatives of bicuspid aortic valve patients

PURPOSE: To explore endothelial function and plasma matrix metalloproteinase-2 levels and their association with the size and elastic properties of the ascending aorta in the first-degree relatives (FDRs) with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) of individuals with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). METHODS: Twenty-six patients with BAV without significant valvular dysfunction, 35 FDRs with TAV, and 29 matched healthy controls were analyzed. Two-dimensional echocardiography and high-resolution ultrasound were applied to evaluate the size and elasticity of the ascending aorta and the flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery in response to hyperemia. RESULTS: The aortic diameter was larger in the BAV patients than in the FDRs and controls, and the aortic elastic properties showed larger decreases in the BAV patients. The FDRs had a larger aortic diameter and more impaired elastic properties than the controls. The BAV patients had a significantly lower FMD than the FDRs and controls (P < .001), while the FMD was lower in the FDRs than in the controls (P < .001). The plasma MMP-2 levels were significantly higher in the BAV patients than in the FDRs (P = .001) and controls (P < .001). Additionally, the FDRs had higher plasma MMP-2 levels than the controls (P < .001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the aortic diameter, distensibility, stiffness index, and strain were significantly associated with FMD and plasma MMP-2 levels. CONCLUSION: Aortic enlargement and impaired elasticity in the FDRs with TAV were associated with impaired endothelial function and increased plasma MMP-2 concentrations.