Plasma levels and zymographic activities of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in type II diabetics with peripheral arterial disease

Abstract

Deregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is an important factor contributing to the development of vascular lesions. Plasma levels and zymographic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were investigated in type II diabetics with (n = 51) or without (n = 42) peripheral artery disease (PAD) and in normal volunteers (n = 23). Plasma MMP-2 levels were higher in type II diabetics with (p < 0.01) or without (p > 0.05) PAD in comparison with normal volunteers. Similarly, type II diabetics with (p < 0.0001) or without (p > 0.05) PAD had higher plasma MMP-9 levels than normal volunteers. Plasma zymographic activities of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 were positively correlated with their plasma levels. Plasma MMP-2 zymographic activity was higher in type II diabetics with PAD than type II diabetics without PAD (p > 0.05). Plasma MMP-9 zymographic activity was higher in type II diabetics with (p < 0.0001) or without (p < 0.0001) PAD in comparision with normal volunteers. Together, these results indicate that increased plasma levels and zymographic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 may contribute to PAD in type II diabetics. In particular, plasma MMP-9 may be a useful marker for the development of vascular disease in type II diabetics.