Increased Plasma Levels of Metalloproteinase-9 and Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in a Rare Case of Multiple Artery Aneurysm

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is involved in the remodeling process by degrading extracellular matrix, which is fundamental in maintaining structural integrity and favorable mechanical properties of the artery vascular wall. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) seems to enhance MMP-9 activity. ELISA test was used to evaluate plasma MMP-9 and NGAL values. Moreover, Western blot analysis and RT-PCR were used to evaluate expression of MMP-9 and NGAL in aneurysmatic tissue with respect to healthy endothelial tissue of the same patient. In this rare case of abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with multiple peripheral aneurysms, both plasma and tissue levels of MMP-9 and NGAL seemed to correlate with disease progression. More studies and clinical trials are necessary to confirm our findings.