Key result
Untreated mild essential hypertension is linked to elevated serum MMP-9 levels versus normotensive volunteers.
Why the study?
The role of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in the early stages of essential hypertension and their relationship to vascular remodeling and cardiovascular risk was not well defined.
Are serum levels of MMPs and related inflammatory cytokines elevated in patients with untreated mild essential hypertension compared to normotensive volunteers?
Observational
Are serum levels of MMPs and related inflammatory cytokines elevated in patients with untreated mild essential hypertension compared to normotensive volunteers?
MMP-9 is elevated in the early stages of essential hypertension and may serve as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk and vascular dysfunction.
Hypothesis-generating for MMP-9 as early biomarker in mild hypertension; prospective studies needed before clinical adoption.
Increased expression and activity of metalloproteinases have been implicated in the pathophysiology of vascular remodeling and in the growth of atherosclerotic lesions. We aimed at determining the levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, their specific inhibitors TIMP-2 and TIMP-1, and the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, which are related to the stimulation of MMPs, in patients with untreated mild essential hypertension (UH) and normotensive (NT) volunteers. Serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels were significantly different in UH volunteers when compared to NT volunteers. Thus, MMP-9 is elevated in the early stages of essential hypertension and may be used as a marker of cardiovascular risk and vascular dysfunction.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Gkaliagkousi et al. (2012) conducted an observational in Untreated mild essential hypertension. Untreated mild essential hypertension vs. Normotensive volunteers was evaluated on Serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels. Untreated mild essential hypertension was associated with significantly elevated serum MMP-9 levels compared to normotensive volunteers.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: