Matrix metalloproteinase-9 expressing by peripheral blood Leukocytes from patients with cerebral infarction

Objective To investigate whether the matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) expression are increased by peripheral blood Leukocytes in patients with acute cerebral infarction diseases. Methods We measured the MMP-9 expressions in peripheral blood Leukocytes in 20 patients with acute cerebral infarction and in 20 age-and sex-matched healthy subjects with immunocytochemistry and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes. Amplification of specific sequences was performed by standard PCR methodology, and primers were designed according to sequences obtained from the reference. Results In stroke and clntrol group ,the MMP-9 expressions was 2.15±0.41 and 1.32±0.28 respectively. Compared with the control group, MMP-9 expressions were significantly higher in the stroke group (P0.001). Conclusion MMP-9 expressions were significantly higher in patients with acute cerebral infarction diseases than in healthy control subjects. Activated leukocytes and leukocytic MMP-9 may have an important role in acute cerebrovascular ischemia and its consequences.