Comparison of Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and -3 in Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Versus Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy

It has been reported that circulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels are upregulated in patients with chronic heart failure. However, experimental studies indicate that differences in the profiles of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs) may exist in ischemic compared with nonischemic cardiomyopathy. This study examined whether circulating levels of MMPs and TIMP-1 are related to the pathogenesis of heart failure. Circulating levels of MMP-2, MMP-3, and TIMP-1 were assessed in 52 patients with compensated end-stage chronic heart failure, including 26 patients (mean 64 ± 7 years; 10 men) with ischemic cardiomyopathy (IC) and 26 (mean age 66 ± 6 years; 14 men) with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC). Serum MMP-2 (p