Matrix metalloproteinases and acute aortic dissection: Et Tu, Brute?

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the present evidence for the association of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) with acute aortic dissection (AAD), we performed the first meta-analysis of all currently available case-control studies comparing circulating MMP levels between AAD patients and control subjects. METHODS: To identify all studies investigating the levels of circulating MMPs in AAD patients, PubMed and Web of Science were searched up to July 2019. The levels of MMPs in AAD patients and control subjects were extracted from each study, and the standardized mean differences (SMDs) in MMP levels were generated. The study-specific estimates were combined in the random-effects model. RESULTS: Twelve studies enrolling a total of 458 AAD patients and 711 control subjects were identified and included. Pooled analyses demonstrated no significant differences in MMP-1 (4 studies; P = 0.21), MMP-2 (5 studies; P = 0.62) and MMP-3 levels (2 studies; P = 0.94) between AAD patients and control subjects; and significantly higher MMP-8 (2 studies; SMD 2.11; P = 0.020), MMP-9 (9 studies; SMD 1.54; P < 0.001) and MMP-12 levels (2 studies; SMD 1.33; P < 0.001) in AAD patients than in control subjects. CONCLUSION: High circulating MMP-9 levels are associated with AAD, and MMP-8 and MMP-12 levels may be related to AAD.