Correlates of serum matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) concentrations in nondiabetic subjects without cardiovascular disease

BackgroundMatrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. We evaluated the relative contribution of genetic and non-genetic variables to serum MMP-8 concentrations in nondiabetic subjects without known cardiovascular disease.MethodsA blood sample was obtained from 100 subjects ≥ 18 y. Total serum MMP-8 concentrations were assayed by ELISA. MMP8 genotypes (− 799 C/T and − 381 A/G) were determined by PCR-pyrosequencing.ResultsMMP-8 concentrations were significantly higher in subjects with the metabolic syndrome (n = 40) compared to those without the metabolic syndrome (11.71 vs 6.81 ng/ml, p < 0.001) and in current smokers compared to non-smokers (13.51 vs 7.53 ng/ml, p = 0.001). MMP-8 concentrations were significantly correlated with body mass index, triglyceride/HDL ratio, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose, and age. MMP-8 concentrations were not significantly different between MMP8 genotype groups. In regression analysis, variables that were significantly associated with serum MMP-8 concentrations were presence of the metabolic syndrome and smoking (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009, respectively), accounting for 21.4% of the variability in serum MMP-8 concentrations.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that the metabolic syndrome and smoking are independently associated with elevated serum MMP-8 concentrations. The relationship between MMP-8 concentrations and cardiovascular risk merits further investigation.