Peripheral blood level alterations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in patients with chronic kidney disease on conservative treatment and on hemodialysis

Abstract

Objectives: Data concerning the levels of metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in uremia and dialysis are conflicting and incomplete.

Design and methods: We measured the serum MMP levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD), and we tried to identify factors that could affect their levels.

Results: MMP-2 and the high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were inversely correlated with hematological parameters in the whole CKD group. CKD patients with stages 3+4 showed a significant increase in the MMP-9 levels compared to the other studied groups; this metalloproteinase was inversely correlated with lymphocyte count, and positively correlated with the hsCRP. The MMP-2 levels were higher in pre and post HD patients compared to the control group and CKD stage 1+2. In contrast, there was no difference in the MMP-9 levels. Both MMP-2 and MMP-9 were associated with the leukocyte count in pre HD group.

Conclusions: This study suggests a connection between an inflammatory state, biochemical response and the MMP levels in uremic and dialysis patients.