The role of matrix metalloproteinases 2 in atherosclerosis of patients with chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) has been implicated in chronic disease and cardiovascular disease. However, there is no knowledge about the correlations between serum levels of MMP-2, proteinuria and atherosclerosis in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). We investigated whether serum MMP-2 levels were associated with proteinuria, intima-media thickness (IMT) in DN patients. Diabetic patients not on hemodialysis (n = 50) were enrolled for the study. MMP-2 levels were measured using an ELISA system. IMT was evaluated by highresolution ultrasonography. Univariate analyses revealed that MMP-2 (P = 0.013) were independent correlates of proteinuria. Further, multivariate analyses revealed that MMP-2 levels (P = 0.001) were independent correlates of IMT. MMP-2 levels were significantly (P = 0.001) higher in patients with atherosclerosis than those without it. The present study demonstrates that serum levels of MMP-2 were one of the independent correlates of proteinuria and IMT in patients with DN. Our results suggest that serum MMP-2 levels may be one of the risk factors for renal damage and atherosclerosis in DN patients.