Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Monday, September 12, 2011

The decrease of serum MMP-2 activity corresponds to alcoholic cirrhosis stage



Because of numerous limitations for liver biopsy, a noninvasive marker of liver cirrhosis is sought. Promising indicators seem to be matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that are responsible for degradation of extracellular matrix.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the gelatinase activities (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in patients with different stages of alcoholic cirrhosis.

Sixty-seven outpatients who presented various stages of alcoholic cirrhosis according to Child–Turcotte–Pugh criteria and 26 healthy control subjects were enrolled. Blood samples were collected for MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities.

A significant decrease of serum MMP-2 activity was noted in stages B and C of cirrhosis in comparison with control. Serum MMP-9 activity did not depend on the stage of cirrhosis.

The MMP-2 levels, but not those of MMP-9, may be of value in understanding the pathogenesis and progression of alcoholic cirrhosis.




Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: agnieszka.madro@wp.pl