Adiponectin predicts MMP-2 activity independently of obesity

Background Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP‐2 and MMP‐9, have been identified in atherosclerotic plaques and have been directly associated with plaque remodelling and vulnerability. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is related to insulin resistance (IR) and obesity, characterized by changes in plasma levels of inflammatory markers, such as adiponectin and C‐reactive protein (CRP). Our aim was to evaluate the impact of both proteins on MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 behaviour in individuals with IR. Materials and methods Plasma MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activity, adiponectin and hs‐CRP concentration and lipoprotein profile were determined in 52 patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) and 27 controls. Results Patients with MS presented significantly higher MMP‐2 activity than controls: 0·95 ± 0·12 vs. 0·77 ± 0·15 relative units (RU) (P