MMP-9 serum levels were consistently associated with markers of carotid atherosclerosis and lesion vulnerability, whereas specific MMP genotypes were not.
This cross-sectional study investigated the levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNAs in the blood of patients with primary hypertension with and without hypertension-induced carotid atherosclerosis.
The number of repeats (> or =22 CA) in the microsatellite of MMP-9 promoter, but not MMP-9 plasma levels, is associated to carotid atherosclerosis and particularly to plaques with a thin fibrous cap.