Matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and its inhibitor, TIMP‐1, in systolic heart failure: relation to functional data and prognosis

BACKGROUND: Structural remodelling of left ventricle is a common feature in the progression of congestive heart failure (CHF). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been directly implicated as they degrade extracellular proteins. To test the hypothesis that MMP-and its inhibitor, tissue type inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP-1), could be related to functional status and prognosis in CHF, we examined the relationship of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 to peak oxygen consumption (VO2) and peak minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production relationship (VE/VCO2), and assessed their prognostic value. METHODS: We studied 50 patients with CHF, who were compared with 53 controls echocardiogram and ergoespirometry were performed, and serum levels of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were assayed by ELISA. Patients were followed up for 17.5+/-8.9 months, and total mortality, readmissions for heart failure and cardiac transplantation were recorded. RESULTS: Patients with CHF had lower levels of MMP-1 (P=0.027), and higher levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-1/MMP-1 ratio (both P<0.01) than controls. TIMP-1 levels and the TIMP-1/MMP-1 ratio correlated negatively with peak VO2 (Spearman, r:-0.51; P=0.001 and r: -0.42; P=0.030, respectively). During the follow-up period, 23 patients (47.9%) suffered endpoints--these patients had higher baseline peak VE/VCO2 (P=0.001), TIMP-1 (P=0.004), and TIMP-1/MMP-1 ratio values (P=0.002), whereas MMP-1 levels were lower (P=0.027). On multivariate analysis, VE/VCO2, MMP-1 levels and age were the only variables independently related to prognosis (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Poor functional capacity in CHF can be related to abnormal extracellular matrix turnover. Patients who suffered endpoints had more abnormal indices of matrix turnover, where MMP-1 levels showed independent prognostic value.