Evaluation of hypertension with or without obesity and its correlation with MMP-9 and TIMP-1-A hospital based cross sectional study

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases associated with obesity. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) are enzymes involved in vascular remodeling and may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels in obese and non-obese hypertensive and non-hypertensive individuals and to investigate the correlation between anthropometric parameters, MMP-9 and TIMP-1, as well as the association between oxidative stress and MMP-9 & TIMP-1 in these individuals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 106 subjects, including 53 normotensive and 53 hypertensive individuals, who were further divided into obese and non-obese subgroups. Serum levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were measured using ELISA, while oxidative stress parameters (MDA, GSH, NO) were measured using manual methods. Statistical analysis was performed using a p-value of <0.05 as statistically significant. Results: All four groups showed significant differences in serum levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1, with pvalues <0.05. Positive correlations were observed between serum levels of TIMP-1 and MMP-9 and increased blood pressure. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between MMP-9 and MDA, while negative correlations were observed between MMP-9 and GSH and NO. Conclusion: Elevated serum levels of MMP-9 and oxidative stress parameters and decreased antioxidant enzyme levels may contribute to vascular remodeling and the development of hypertension. The increase in TIMP-1 and MMP-9 levels may indicate compensatory inhibition of extracellular matrix breakdown and collagen deposition leading to vascular fibrosis. The positive correlation between MMP-9 and MDA and negative correlations between MMP-9 and GSH and NO suggest a relationship between MMP-9 and oxidative stress. These findings suggest that MMP-9 and TIMP-1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension in obese and non-obese individuals.