Background
This study was designed to evaluate the potential role of metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in promoting the cleavage of TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL), whose circulating levels are decreased after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Conclusions
An impaired MMP2/TIMP2 ratio might be involved in the decreased levels of circulating TRAIL observed after AMI.
Methods
The levels of MMP2 and of tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease 2 (TIMP2), as well as of TRAIL, were measured by ELISA in the serum of AMI patients and in the culture supernatant of endothelial cells.
Results
In AMI patients the serum levels of TRAIL showed a significant inverse correlation with the MMP2/TIMP2 ratio. In vitro MMP2 induced the cleavage of recombinant TRAIL and inactivated its ability of inducing apoptosis. Moreover, exposure of endothelial cells to TNF-alpha increased the MMP2/TIMP2 ratio in the culture supernatant. Conclusions: An impaired MMP2/TIMP2 ratio might be involved in the decreased levels of circulating TRAIL observed after AMI.