Low molecular weight heparin treatment decreases MMP-9 plasma activity in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm

Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2008 Feb;35(2):159-61. doi: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2007.09.008. Epub 2007 Oct 26.

Abstract

Large abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are associated with coagulation abnormalities, which are significantly reduced by low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Considering anti-inflammatory properties of heparin we verified, whether LMWH influences MMP-2/-9 in AAA patients. The study involved 26 AAA individuals, 10 patients with coagulation abnormalities received LMWH and 16 were a control group. The plasma activity of MMP-2/-9 was measured using zymography. We found that, in addition to the reduction of coagulation abnormalities, LMWH treatment was associated with the decreased MMP-9 but not MMP-2 activity. Therefore, LMWH use could be considered as a valuable pretreatment before an elective aneurysm repair.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / blood
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / drug therapy*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / enzymology
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / surgery
  • Blood Coagulation / drug effects
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Down-Regulation
  • Female
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / blood
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / blood*
  • Middle Aged
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
  • MMP2 protein, human
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9