Faculty Collaboration Database

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 is increased in the saphenofemoral junction of patients with varices in the leg. J Vasc Surg 1998 Oct;28(4):669-75

Date

10/24/1998

Pubmed ID

9786263

DOI

10.1016/s0741-5214(98)70093-x

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0031726801 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   53 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: The goal of the present study was to examine the role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in the development of varicose changes in the superficial veins of the lower extremity.

METHODS: Normal-caliber vein segments from the saphenofemoral junction were harvested from patients undergoing saphenous vein ligation for varices and from patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass graft procedures. The activity and quantity of MMPs and their inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases [TIMPs]) in the vein segments were compared. Vein segments were obtained from 13 patients. Seven patients had varicose disease in the leg, including 6 women and 1 man (average age, 48 years). Six patients had no evidence of varicose disease, including 2 women and 4 men (average age, 59 years). Proteolytic activity was determined with substrate gel zymography, and enzyme content was determined with Western immunoblotting using monoclonal antibodies directed against MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and alpha2-macroglobulin. Signals were quantified by scanning densitometry and normalized to a positive control (densitometric index [DI]). Immunohistochemistry was performed for enzyme localization.

RESULTS: Zymography did not detect a difference between groups at loci consistent with the major MMPs; however, a small but significant decrease in proteolytic activity was noted in veins from patients with varices. TIMP-1 is increased in vein segments from patients with varices (DI 0.8 +/- 0.1 vs 0.2 +/- 0.05, P < .05) while MMP-2 levels were decreased (DI 1.5 +/- 0.3 vs 0.5 +/- 0.1, P < .05). Immunohistochemistry localized MMPs to the adventitia of the vein wall.

CONCLUSION: A decrease in proteolytic activity may be responsible for the histological and structural alterations leading to varicose degeneration of superficial lower extremity veins.

Author List

Parra JR, Cambria RA, Hower CD, Dassow MS, Freischlag JA, Seabrook GR, Towne JB

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Blotting, Western
Collagenases
Female
Femoral Vein
Gelatinases
Humans
Immunohistochemistry
Male
Matrix Metalloproteinase 1
Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9
Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
Metalloendopeptidases
Saphenous Vein
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases
Varicose Veins