Progression in lacunar infarction is associated with high levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9

Abstract

The pathogenic mechanism of worsening in acute lacunar infarction has not been clearly delineated. Recently, the relationship between inflammatory markers and stroke progression has been issued. Matrix metalloproteinase(MMPs) may be involved in inflammatory responses and matrix degradation in central nervous system. In this study, we investigated the role of MMPs in the early neurological worsening of acute lacunar infarction. Method : We studied 49 consecutive patients with acute lacunar infarction, defined by clinical and magnetic resonance imaging criteria within 48 hours after stroke onset. Patients with any infectious condition were excluded. Neurological worsening was defined as a decrease of ≥1 points in the NIHSS for the motor function. Progressive and stable patients were compared regarding clinical parameters(body temperature, blood pressure, serum glucose, hematocrit, lipid profiles), inflammatory parameters(leukocyte, ESR, CRP), coagulation parameters (fibrinogen, aPTT, PT), MMP-2, MMP-9, and NSE.