Activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and-9 in abdominal aortic aneurysms.: Relation to size and rupture

Objectives: to investigate the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 in asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms (aAAAs) and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs). Design: cross-sectional study. Materials and methods: MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity was estimated in biopsies from the anterior wall of 60 AAAs using gelatin zymography. There were 20 medium-sized (diameter 5<7 cm) aAAAs, 20 large (7 cm) aAAAs and 20 rAAAs. MMP activity was quantified using a laser densitometer and expressed as arbitrary units (au). Results: mean (SEM) MMP-9 activity was significantly lower in large aAAAs (1190 au +/- 247) than in rAAAs (2647 au +/-498 p<0.05). There was no difference in MMP-2 activity. Conclusion: High MMP-9 activity in the AAA wall is associated with rupture.