Relationships Between Matrix Metalloproteinase-3,High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Carotid Atherosclerosis and Acute Cerebral Infarction / 国际脑血管病杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the relationships between matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)and carotid atherosclerosis and acute cerebral infarction.Methods: Sixty-four patients with the first ever cerebral infarction and 20 normal control subjects were selected.Their serum MMP-3 levels were determined by double antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays,and serum hs-CRP levels were measured by immunonephelometric assay.Their carotid intima-media thicknesses were assessed by carotid ultrasonography,and neurological deficit scores were performed in patients with acute cerebral infarction.Results:The levels of serum MMP-3 and hs-CRP in patients with acute cerebral infarction were significantly higher than those in the normal control group(P＜0.01).The levels of serum MMP-3 and hs-CRP in unstable plaque group(mixed plaque group,soft plaque group)were significantly higher than those in stable plaque group(hard plaque group)and rough intima group(P＜0.01).The levels of serum MMP-3 and hs-CRP were positively correlated with the neurological deficit scores respectively in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Conclusions:The levels of serum MMP-3 and hs-CRP in patients with acute cerebral infarction may reflect the character and stability of carotid artery plaque,and they are the important indexes in understanding the severity of cerebral infarction in clinical practice.