system
Medical AI Inquiry: You was designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.  Labels: BACKGROUND, OBJECTIVE, METHODS, RESULTS. Meshes: Aged, Carotid Arteries, Carotid Artery Diseases, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Gene Frequency, Genetic Association Studies, Humans, Male, Matrix Metalloproteinase 1, Matrix Metalloproteinase 3, Matrix Metalloproteinase 9, Middle Aged, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide, Radiography.
user
Are serum levels and polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases ( MMPs ) in carotid artery atherosclerosis : higher MMP-9 levels associated with plaque vulnerability? Context: Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in atherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability. To investigate serum levels and genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -1, -3 and -9 in patients submitted to carotid endarterectomy. Genetic polymorphisms were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP); serum levels were measured using ELISA; histological sections were stained with Picrosirius Red to analyze the fibrous cap thickness, lipid core and collagen content and with hematoxylin--eosin to detect the presence of intraplaque hemorrhage. MMP-9 serum levels were significantly higher in patients with a thinner fibrous cap (p = 0.033) or acute or recent intraplaque hemorrhage (p = 0.008) on histology, as well as in patients with previous stroke (p = 0.009) or peripheral vascular disease (p = 0.049). No consistent associations were observed between different MMP genotypes and fibrous cap thickness, lipid core, collagen content or intraplaque hemorrhage.
assistant
MMP-9 serum levels were consistently associated with markers of carotid atherosclerosis and lesion vulnerability, whereas specific MMP genotypes were not. Final Decision: yes