Metaloproteasa-10 (estromelisina-2)un nuevo marcador de aterosclerosis subclínica

Abstract

Objective MMPs are a family of endopeptidase which play a key role in atherogenesis through ECM degradation. MMP-10 (stromelysin-2) has been associated with inflammation in asymptomatic subjects with cardiovascular risk factors. Whether MMP-10 is associated with the severity of atherosclerosis remains to be determined. We examined the relationship of systemic MMP-10 levels with cardiovascular risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods and results MMP-1, -9, and -10 levels and markers of inflammation were measured in 400 subjects (mean age 54.3 years; 77.7% men) with cardiovascular risk factors but free of clinical cardiovascular disease. Severity of carotid atherosclerosis was evaluated by carotid intimamedia thickness (IMT) and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques with the use of B-mode ultrasound. MMP-10 levels correlated with fibrinogen, hs-C reactive protein (CRP) and carotid IMT. The association of MMP-10 and IMT remained significant in multiple regression analysis (P<.02) when controlling for traditional risk factors and inflammatory markers. Subjects in the highest MMP-10 tertile had significantly higher carotid IMT (adjusted OR 6.3 [1.3-31.4]; P=.024). In addition, MMP-10 levels were elevated in subjects with higher carotid IMT (P<.01) and in patients with carotid plaques (n = 78, P<.01). Conclusions Higher systemic MMP-10 levels were associated with inflammation, increased carotid IMT and atherosclerotic plaques in asymptomatic subjects. Circulating MMP-10 may be useful marker for subclinical atherosclerosis in subjects free of cardiovascular disease.