Levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in serum of cerebral infarction patients with the different classification of TOAST

Objective To determine and compare the levels of serum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in acute stage of cerebral infarction and the relationship and prognosis between them and the classification of TOAST. Methods The levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected by ELISA in 60 cerebral infarction patients(CI group)while 30 healthy donors were served as control group (NC group).Results The level of MMP-2 in CI group was significantly lower than that in NC group (P＜0.01) and the level of MMP-9 was significantly higher than that in NC group (P＜0.01).Compared with lacunar infarction (LI) group,the level of MMP-9 was significantly higher in cardiogenic cerebral embolism group(CCE group) and large artery arteriosclerosis cerebral infarction group (LAA group);The serum level of MMP-9 was related to NIHSS.The serum level of MMP-9 in good prognosis patients was significantly lower than that in poor prognosis patients (P＜0.01).Conclusions The serum level of MMP-9 is increased after cerebral infarction.The serum level of MMP-9 in the CCE group and LAA group is significantly higher than that in LI group.The level of MMP-9 is a reliable parameter in evaluating the disabilities in cerebral infarction.The level of serum MMP-9 within 24 hours of onset can predict the prognosis of cerebral infarction independently. Key words: Brain infarction; Matrix metalloproteinase-2; Matrix metalloproteinase-9; Classification of TOAST; Prognosis