Effect of matrix metalloproteinase-9 on angiographic criteria of coronary ectasia

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between serum levels of a specific matrix metalloproteinase, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and the angiographic criteria of coronary artery ectasia (CAE). Background Previously, CAE was thought to be a possible manifestation of atherosclerosis, and the relation between matrix metalloproteinase in particular MMP-9 and presence and severity of CAE was not clearly established by previous investigators. Patients and methods A retrospective study of 100 eligible patients with CAE was studied regarding their clinical presentation, angiographic criteria, and relation of the severity of CAE to serum level of MMP-9. We included assessment of major cardiovascular risk factors. Results There were high serum levels of MMP-9 (>71 ug/dl) in 45% of patients with CAE, and there was a statistically significant relation (P = 0.035) of serum levels of MMP-9 with the number of ectatic vessels (100% for three-vessel disease vs. 43.38% for single-vessel ectasia). Moreover, we found a significant relation with the type of ectasia (83.33% for type 1 vs. 40% for type 2), with P = 0.015. Conclusions There is a considerable relationship between elevated levels of MMP-9 and CAE, as well as the relationship between levels of MMP-9 and severity of the CAE.