Relation between inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase-2 in patients with unstable angina

Objective: To elucidate the relationship among pro-inflammatory cytokine(IL-1,IL-6,TNF-α),anti-inflammatory cytokine(IL-10) and MMP-2 and their effects on the stability of plaque in unstable angina.Methods: The concentrations of IL-1,IL-6,TNF-α,IL-10,MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were analyzed using ELISA in 170 patients and 30 healthy control subjects.Patients were divided into two groups,stable angina(n=35) and unstable angina(n=135).Results: The serum levels of IL-1,IL-6,TNF-α,IL-10,MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were significantly higher in UAP group and SAP group compared with the healthy control group(P0.05),and so were the ratio of MMP-2/TIMP-2 and(IL-1+IL-6+TNF-α)/IL-10(P0.05).The levels of above mentioned cytokines and ratios in patients with unstable angina were significantly higher than those with stable angina(P0.05).Correlation analysis revealed the level of MMP-2 was positively related to the levels of IL-1,IL-6,IL-10 and TNF-α.In multiple linear regression analysis,significant positive correlations were found between MMP-2 and IL-10,(IL-1+IL-6+TNF-α)/IL-10 and fasting blood glucose separately in patients with unstable angina.Conclusion: The imbalance of proinflammation/anti-inflammation could lead to unstability of the plaque through the regulation of MMP-2,which could trigger unstable angina.