Correlation between MMP-2, TIMP-2 and hepatic fibrosis indices in patients with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis

Objective To investigate the relationship between the levels of serum matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2),tissue inhibitor of metalloprotienase-2 (TIMP-2) and hepatic fibrosis indices (hyaluronidase,laminin,collagen Ⅳ) in patients with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis. Methods Serum levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were measured by ELISA in 72 patients with chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis and 20 healthy controls.Hyaluronidase,laminin and collagenⅣwere simultaneously detected by RIA.Results The serum MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were significantly increased in severe chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis Child-Pugh's group A,B and C,but not in mild and moderate chronic hepatitis.There were no significant differences of the serum MMP-2 and TIMP-2 between the patients with mild and moderate chronic hepatitis.In the patients with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis serum MMP-2 and TIMP-2 concentration showed positive correlation with serum hyaluronidase,laminin and collagen Ⅳ.Conclusion Serum MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were significantly increased in chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis and has good correlation with hepatic fibrosis,they can be used to evaluate the degree of hepatic fibrosis.