Summary:
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 ± 0.71g/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.
Key words:
dyslipoproteinemia, atherosclerosis, matrix metalloproteinases, PAPP-A, statins.
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