Degradation of Collagen by Metalloproteinase 2 in Patients with Abdominal Hernias

Background: The groin hernia is a significant social and economic problem of our times. The pathogenesis of the disease is not clear. The metalloproteinases (MMP) are the group of proteolytic enzymes responsible for the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins and the basic membrane of blood vessels. The aims of our study were: (1) to estimate the MMP-2 levels in the blood and tissues of patients with a groin hernia; (2) to answer the question of whether changes in MMP-2 activity correlate with the occurrence of inguinal hernias. Method: The study was performed on a group of 90 male patients suffering from inguinal hernias, aged 28-70 years (mean: 49 years). The control group was made up of 10 healthy (free from hernia) males, aged 30-68 years (mean: 46 years). Results: We noticed increased levels of MMP-2 in patients with all types of hernia and across all age groups. The MMP-2 mean serum levels were statistically higher in patients with a groin hernia when compared to the control group. The highest blood levels of MMP-2 were observed in young men with a direct hernia. Conclusions: This study confirmed the important role of MMP-2 in the pathogenesis of inguinal hernia. The increased activity may lead to dysfunctions in collagen fiber, which is responsible for forming fascial structures, and as a result weaken their durability. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel