The effect of atorvastain on serum level of matrix metalloprotease-9 and tissue inhibitors of matris metalloproteinase-1 in patients with acute coronary syndromes

Objective:To observe the effect of atorvastatin on serum levels of matrix metalloproteases-9(MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of matris metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1) in patients with acute coronary syndromes(ACS). Method:Eighty-four patients with coronary heart disease were studied. Among them there were 30 patients with stable angina pectoris(SAP) and 54 patients with ACS. At the same time, 30 cases of age matched healthy individuals were selected as a control. Fifty-four patients with ACS were randomly divided into two groups: Atorvastatin treatment group and regular treatment group.The serum level of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were compared among all groups. Result:There was significant difference in serum level of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 among SAP group, ACS group and control group.The serum level of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were different between atorvastatin treatment group and regular treatment group after treatment. Conclusion:Plaque disruption may be related to the increased serum level of MMP-9 and the decreased serum level of TIMP-1. Atorvastatin can decrease serum level of MMP-9 and increase serum level of TIMP-1 in patients with ACS. Atorvastatin may have a beneficial effect on steadying the plaque.