Investigation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2, Matrix Metalloproteinase-9, Tissue Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor-1, and Tissue Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor-2 levels in preeclamptic and eclamptic pregnancy

INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to investigate the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and their respective tissue inhibitors, tissue matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor-1 (TIMP-1) and tissue matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor-2 (TIMP-2), in eclamptic and preeclamptic pregnant women.
METHODS: In this study carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Yüzüncü Yýl University Faculty of Medicine Health Practice and Research Hospital, eclamptic (n=28), preeclamptic, (n=28) and healthy pregnant women (n=24) were enrolled and their levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were studied by micro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of MMP-2 (p=0.786). When the three groups were examined in terms of the ratio of MMP-2 to TIMP-2, no significant difference was found (p=0.788). While there was no significant difference between the preeclamptic and eclamptic groups in terms of MMP-9 and TIMP-1, significantly lower levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were observed in both groups compared to the control group (p=0.001 for MMP-9, p<0.000 for TIMP-1). When the groups were compared in terms of the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio, no significant difference was found between the preeclampsia and control groups; however, this ratio was statistically significantly higher in the eclampsia group compared to the preeclampsia and control groups (p=0.011).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The imbalance between MMP-9 and TIMP-1 may be used as a marker in the prediction of preeclampsia and especially eclampsia. However, larger clinical studies are needed to reveal these interactions in more detail.