The changes of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea associated hypertension

Objective To explore the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in patients with obstructiv sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome( OSAHS) and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea associated hypertension( OSA-HAHT). Methods Using ELISA, serum levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were measured in 20 patients with OSAHS and OSAHAHT respectively and 16 health peoples. Results Serum concentration of MMP-9 was higher in OSAHS and OSAHAHT than those in control subjects with significant differences, but there was no difference in TIMP-1 between OSAHS and control group. The level of TIMP-1 was higher in OSAHAHT than those in health subjects with significant differences. Serum MMP-9 in OSAHS and OSAHAHT showed significant correlation with the indexes reflecting the severity degree of obstructive sleep apnea. Conclusions There are abnormal metabolism of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in patients with OSAHS and OSAHAHT. Serum MMP-9 could reflect the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.