Objective: To determine if the pro-MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio is an accurate surrogate for endogenously active MMP-9 levels.
Methods: Plasma active MMP-9, pro-MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were measured in 295 patients.
Results: There was a weak negative correlation between the pro-MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio and active MMP-9. TIMP-1 was more closely correlated with active MMP-9 than pro-MMP-9.
Conclusion: Pro-MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio measured with ELISA is not a good surrogate measure for active MMP-9, and direct measurements of active MMP-9 are therefore recommended.
Copyright © 2011 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.