The role of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in obstructive sleep apnea

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition that is characterized by intermittent and recurrent pauses in respiration results in multiple cycles of hypoxia/reoxygenation with an increased production of reactive oxygen species. Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and MMP-9 as markers of oxidative stress in obese patients with OSA. Patients and methods Study was performed on 30 obese patients who had been referred to the Chest Department of Kasr Al-Aini Hospital for clinical suspicion of OSA to perform polysomnography. They were classified into two groups: cases group that consisted of 20 obese patients who were diagnosed as OSA and controls group that consisted of 10 obese individuals, without OSA. The two groups were subjected to the following: complete history taking, clinical examination, Epworth sleepiness scale, BMI (in kg/m2), polysomnographic study, spirometry, laboratory examination for estimation of arterial blood gases, and serum levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 measurements using ELISA. Results In a comparison between cases and controls regarding serum levels of MMP-9, it was found that the mean value of MMP-9 among cases was 169.7 ± 135.22, which was higher than in controls as the mean value was 87.29 ± 34.01, and the difference was statistically significant. MMP-2 also was higher in cases than in controls. However, the differences were statistically insignificant. Conclusion MMP-9 could be used as a marker of oxidative stress in OSA. Egypt J Broncho 2014 8:10–16