Role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 on arterial remodelling in prehypertensives

Objective Elevated blood pressure causes a change in arterial remodelling by altering extracellular matrix composition. However, whether matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is altered in the change of large arterial compliance in prehypertensive subjects has been incompletely investigated. Method According to the criteria of JNC7, 180 subjects were divided into three groups: (1) normotensive group (n=58), (2) prehypertensive group (n=62) and (3) hypertensive group (n=60). Brachium-ankle pulse wave velocity (BaPWV) was measured by an automatic waveform analyser (form PWV/ABI) and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) was determined ultrasonographically. MMP-2 mRNA level were obtained by real time RT-PCR. Result In prehypertensives, MMP-2, baPWV and IMT levels are higher than that in normotensives (p<0.01) and lower than that in hypertensives (p<0.01). MMP-2 mRNA level correlated linearly and significantly with baPWV and IMT (p<0.01), even after adjustments for confounding variables. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that MMP-2, SBP and age were the independent risk factors of BaPWV and IMT. Conclusions Large arterial structure and function have changed in prehypertensives subjects. BaPWV and IMT were closely related to the level of blood pressure. MMP-2 may play a role in the process of arterial remodelling in prehypertensive subjects.