A study on the expression and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in autogenous vein grafts

Objective To investigate the expression and significance of matrix metalloproteinase(MM)P-2 and MMP-9 in autogenous vein grafts.Methods Autogenous vein grafts model was established in 24 rabbits.Vein samples were harvested on the 3rd,7th and 28th day after operation.Intimal areas were measured and intimal thickness was calculated.Expressions of MMP-2 mRNA and MMP-9 mRNA in vein grafts were detected by reverse transcription-PCR.Substrate gel zymography was used to determine the proteolytic activity.Results Intimal thickness was significantly increased on the 7th and 28th postoperative day.The expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA enhanced rapidly on the 3rd day and peaked on the 7th day(P 0.01).Substrate gel zymography demonstrated that the proteolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was significantly increased after surgery.Conclusion The expression and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 rise in autogenous vein grafts on the early days after operation,which may facilitate the intimal hyperplasia.