Abstract:
Background and Purpose:
Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases associated with obesity.
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) are
enzymes involved in vascular remodeling and may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
This study aimed to evaluate serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels in obese and non-obese hypertensive
and non-hypertensive individuals and to investigate the correlation between anthropometric
parameters, MMP-9 and TIMP-1, as well as the association between oxidative stress and MMP-9 &
TIMP-1 in these individuals.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 106 subjects, including 53 normotensive and 53
hypertensive individuals, who were further divided into obese and non-obese subgroups. Serum
levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were measured using ELISA, while oxidative stress parameters (MDA,
GSH, NO) were measured using manual methods. Statistical analysis was performed using a p-value
of <0.05 as statistically significant.
Results:
All four groups showed significant differences in serum levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1, with pvalues
<0.05. Positive correlations were observed between serum levels of TIMP-1 and MMP-9 and
increased blood pressure. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between MMP-9 and
MDA, while negative correlations were observed between MMP-9 and GSH and NO.
Conclusion:
Elevated serum levels of MMP-9 and oxidative stress parameters and decreased antioxidant
enzyme levels may contribute to vascular remodeling and the development of hypertension. The
increase in TIMP-1 and MMP-9 levels may indicate compensatory inhibition of extracellular matrix
breakdown and collagen deposition leading to vascular fibrosis. The positive correlation between
MMP-9 and MDA and negative correlations between MMP-9 and GSH and NO suggest a
relationship between MMP-9 and oxidative stress. These findings suggest that MMP-9 and TIMP-1
may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension in obese and non-obese individuals.
