Serum metalloproteinase concentration might be a new predictor of cardiovascular risk in obese women.

OBJECTIVE: Increased levels and activity of some MMPs are described in obesity-related vascular diseases. Factors that influence MMPs blood concentration are still investigated. This research aim to evaluate the concentration of most types of MMPs: collagenases (MMP-1,-3,-8,-13), matrilisine (MMP-7), gelatinase (MMP-9) and malloelsastase (MMP-12) in serum of women in reproductive age in relation with their body mass index (BMI), age, estradiol and progesterone concentrations.

METHODS: Blood samples were taken from 54 healthy premenopausal women with normal menstrual cycles. Weight and height of all women were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Concentration of MMP-1,-3,-7,-8,-9,-12 and MMP-13 was evaluated using a Procarta-Immunoassay-Kit. Serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were evaluated by immunochemiluminescence. Results of the study were statistically calculated using Peason, Sperman and Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS: Positive correlation between MMP-7,-8,-9,-12,-13 levels and BMI was demonstrated. Significantly higher concentrations of MMPs were found especially in obese women compared to women with normal BMI. In healthy, regular menstruating premenopausal women, MMPs in blood do not correlate with estradiol and progesterone concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS: The results can indicate the role of MMPs in the development of obesity-related diseases and help to asses cardiovascular risk already in their preclinical stage.