Evaluation of plasmatic MMP-8, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and MPO levels in obese and lean women

To compare the plasma concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1, MMP-8, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) for obese and lean women. We recruited 30 lean and 36 obese women without comorbidities. The MMP-9, TIMP-1, and MMP-8 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MPO activity was assessed by a colorimetric assay. Obese women had higher MMP-9 levels and MMP-9:TIMP-1 ratios than lean women. Conversely, the MMP-8 levels and MMP-8:TIMP-1 ratios in the obese women were significantly lower than those in the lean women despite neutrophil activation, which was assessed by MPO activity. We observed that MMP-9 and MMP-8 had distinct profiles, which suggested that these 2 enzymes play different roles in obesity. ► We show increase and reduced levels of MMP-9 and MMP-8 comparing obese versus lean women. ► Neutrophil is activates in obesity. ► Suggest different biological meaning of these two enzymes.