Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 are CAD More Relevant Biomarkers Than -1, -8, and -12 to Separate CAD from Non-CAD Patients

Atherosclerotic Carotid Artery Disease (CAD) is a frequent cause of mortality worldwide. The discovery of biomarkers that evidenced CAD progression would help with cardiovascular risk reduction. Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been associated with plaque progression, lesion aggravation, and rupture. This study evaluated that MMPs serum optical-densities and digestive gel-activity are associated with CAD. This cross-sectional study evaluated 65 outpatients presenting CAD (n=31) or not (n=34). The Carotid disease was evidenced by Doppler echography. ELISA and SDS-PAGE zymography were performed to determine MMPs serum optical-densities and proteolytic-activity. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to identify the most relevant MMPs (MMP-1, 2, 8, 9 and 12). MMP-2 and MMP-9 showed lower serum optical-densities in CAD (MMP-2, p = 0.0246; and MMP-9, p < 0.0001), but higher digestive enzymatic activity when compared to non-CAD samples (p < 0.0001). PCA analysis strengthens the singling out of those individual MMPs as predictors of choice to differentiate CAD from non-CAD patients as opposed to others MMPs. Analysis of the loadings showed MMP-2 and MMP-9 as the most important independent variables to separate CAD from non-CAD patients. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are more relevant biomarkers for CAD than the other MMPs analyzed.