Search

Abstract: Introduction: Changes to cardiac matrix are central to ventricular remodelling after acute MI and matrix metalloproteinase expression is implicated in this process. We investigated the temporal profile of MMP-3 and its relationship to LV dysfunction and prognosis following AMI. Methods: We studied 382 patients with AMI. Plasma MMP-3 was measured at 0–12, 12–24 h and for subsequent 24 h periods during admission. LV function (LVEF) was assessed by echocardiography pre-discharge and at a median of 148 days and clinical endpoints at a median of 313 days. Results: MMP-3 peaked prior to discharge thus pre-discharge levels were used in analyses. MMP-3 was associated with patient age (p <0.001), creatinine (p <0.001) and was higher in males (p <0.001) and hypertensives (p <0.001). MMP-3 inversely correlated with LVEF at follow-up (p =0.043), was higher in subjects with LVEF <40% (p =0.017) and in subjects with increasing EDV (p =0.017) or ESV (p =0.007) compared to those in whom volumes fell between visits. In the 58 patients reaching the endpoint of death or heart failure, MMP-3 was higher (p <0.001). On Kaplan–Meier analysis, subjects with levels above optimum cut off identified via ROC curves were more likely to suffer a clinical event (p =0.037). Conclusion: MMP-3 is associated with left ventricular dysfunction, adverse left ventricular remodelling and prognosis after AMI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]