High serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 level predict increased risk of in-hospital cardiac events in patients with type 2 diabetes and ST segment elevation myocardial infarction

Introduction The purpose of this study was to compare serum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 levels in a population of type 2 diabetic versus non-diabetic patients hospitalized with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and to examine the relationship between serum MMP-9 levels and the incidence of in-hospital cardiac events, including death and cardiogenic shock. Methods We recruited 120 patients with STEMI, of whom 48 were type 2 diabetic and 72 non-diabetic. Serum MMP-9 levels were measured on admission, using a commercially available ELISA. The primary study endpoint was cardiac death in-hospital and cardiogenic shock. Results Mean serum MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in type 2 diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients (240 ± 52 ng/mL versus 185 ± 47 ng/mL; P < 0.0001). In multivariable analysis, type 2 diabetes was an independent factor for mortality [OR: 1.75 (1.40–2.30); P = 0.005] and cardiogenic shock [OR: 1.55 (1.20–1.70); P = 0.03] when the variable MMP-9 level was not introduced into the model, but it was less significantly associated with mortality [OR: 1.60 (1.40–2.10); P = 0.01] and no longer associated with cardiogenic shock when MMP-9 was in the model. Conclusion After STEMI, type 2 diabetes is independently associated with high serum MMP-9 levels. This elevated MMP-9 is strongly associated with the increased incidence of in-hospital mortality and cardiogenic shock observed in type 2 diabetes. Our findings clearly indicate that serum MMP-9 provides a highly valuable prognostic information on in-hospital outcome after STEMI, in particular in type 2 diabetic patients.