Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 Gene Polymorphism and Its Level Predict Morbidity After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Objectives: Matrix metalloproteinase is responsible for ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (MI). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) polymorphism and its level predict morbidity after acute MI (AMI).

Methods: We studied 112 patients with AMI and 140 controls. All patients were followed for AMI complications during their hospitalization and 6 months after. Serum MMP-3 was measured. MMP-3-1612 5A/6A polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction.

Results: We observed that the serum MMP-3 levels were significantly increased in patients with AMI with morbidity compared with patients without complications. Also, MMP-3 levels in patients with AMI carrying 5A/5A were elevated compared with those carrying 6A/6A. The frequencies of 5A/5A genotypes were significantly increased in patients with AMI compared with controls, and patients with AMI carrying 5A/5A had a fivefold increased risk of developing morbidity. The impairment of left ventricular function (ΔFS [fractional shortening] and ΔEF [ejection fraction]) was observed more in the 5A/5A genotype compared with the 6A/6A genotype. A significant inverse correlation between predischarge MMP-3 levels and FS and EF was found at 6 months follow-up.

Conclusions: MMP-3 polymorphism has a significant association with the risk of developing morbidity after AMI. Higher predischarge MMP-3 levels are associated with left ventricular dysfunction after AMI.