Systemic dilation diathesis in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms: A role for matrix metalloproteinase-9?

L. W. van Laake, T. Vainas, R. Dammers, P. J.E.H.M. Kitslaar, A. P.G. Hoeks, G. W.H. Schurink*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction:

Accumulating evidence suggests that patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) suffer from a systemic dilating condition affecting all arteries. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their natural inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), appear to be involved in aneurysm formation, as evidenced by increased aortic tissue MMP activity and plasma MMP levels in patients with AAA. Hypothesizing that an imbalance in plasma MMP/TIMP level might be associated with a systemic dilation diathesis, we studied mechanical vessel wall properties of non-affected arteries of patients with either AAA or aorto-iliac obstructive lesions in association with plasma MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels. 

Methods:

Twenty-two patients with AAA and 12 with ao rto-iliac occlusive disease (AOD) were included. Diastolic diameter (d) and distension (Δd) were measured at the level of the common carotid artery (CCA) and suprarenal aorta (SA) using ultrasonography. Distensibility (DC) and compliance (CC) were calculated from d, Δd and brachial pulse pressure. Plasma MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were determined with specific immunoassays. 

Results:

The average (±SD) age was 72.3±5.6 and 65.0±8.2 years for the AAA and AOD patients, respectively, (P=0.005). CCA diameter was 9.1±1.3 mm in AAA patients and AOD 7.8±1.4 mm in AOD patients, P=0.009. This difference persisted after correction for age. Plasma MMP-9 and TIMP-1 did not differ significantly between AAA and AOD patients. In the total 34 patients, the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was correlated inversely with distensibility (r=-0.74, P=0.002) and to compliance (r=-0.58, P=0.024) of the suprarenal aorta. 

Conclusions:

The CCA diameter was larger in AAA patie nts compared to AOD patients. MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was associated with decreased distensibility and compliance of the suprarenal aorta. These data support the idea that AAA patients exhibit a systemic dilation diathesis, which might be attributable to MMP/TIMP imbalances.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)371-377
Number of pages7
JournalEuropean Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Volume29
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2005
Externally publishedYes

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