Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 in Severe Pre-Eclampsia
Purpose of the Study: To evaluate the serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) in pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia (PE). Materials and Methods: Serum levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-2 were measured by ELISA in pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia (n = 34), healthy pregnant women (n = 30), and healthy non-pregnant women (n = 30). A correlation analysis was carried out to assess the relationship between these parameters on the one hand and physical-examination findings, laboratory data, and the results of other supportive examinations, on the other. Study Results: The study showed statistically significant relationships between the levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-2, on the one hand, and the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), the newborn's body weight and height, blood and urine protein levels, platelet counts, and APTT, on the other. These results support the hypothesis that MMP play a certain role in the pathogenesis of PE. In pregnant women with severe PE, the levels of TIMP-2 (p < 0.05) and the TIMP-2/MMP-2 ratio (p > 0.05) were higher and the levels of MMP-9 (p > 0.05) and the MMP-9/MMP-2 ratio (p < 0.01) were lower than in healthy pregnant women. No significant relationship was observed between the levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in women with severe PE. Conclusion: MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-2 play an important role in the key processes in very early pregnancy. In women with severe PE, their levels are significantly different from those in healthy pregnant women. This finding seems promising in predicting severe PE.