RESUMO
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and -9) have been suggested to play an important role in hepatitis and hepatic fibrosis. The aims of this study were to determine the plasma levels of enzyme activities of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in healthy and deferred blood donors. The relationships between activities of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and the level of alanine aminotransferase and the status of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection were investigated. METHODOLOGY: This study included 51 healthy volunteer blood donors and 175 deferred blood donors. Of the deferred donors, 54 donors had levels of alanine aminotransferase > or = 45 IU/L, 99 donors were positive for hepatitis B virus surface antigen, and 32 donors were positive for antibodies against hepatitis C virus. Activities of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 were measured by zymography using impregnated gel. RESULTS: Activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 in deferred blood donors with elevated ALT was higher than that in healthy donors (331 +/- 139 vs. 266 +/- 122, p < 0.001). Further, activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 was higher in HCV-infected donors than in healthy donors (319 +/- 97 vs. 275 +/- 133, p < 0.05). Matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity was also higher in deferred donors with HCV infection than in healthy donors (153 +/- 45 vs. 108 +/- 48, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that hepatitis C virus infection may upregulate the activities of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and that these matrix metalloproteinases may be linked to liver dysfunction.