Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases expressions in human intracranial aneurysm

Objective To explore the role of matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in cerebral aneurysm.Metheods Tissue samples of the cerebral aneurysms were obtained from 30 patients who underwent cerebral aneurysm clipping operation.We use real-time RTPCR method to quantatively measure mRNA levels of MMPs and TIMPs.ELISA method was used to measure the serum levels of MMP-2,MMP-9 in cerebral ruptured aneurysm patients and unruptured aneurysm.The localization of MMPS and TIMPS in tissue and cellular was examined by immunohistochemical staining.Results Comparing with unruptured aneurysm,MMP-2 and MMP-9 were overexpressed in ruptured aneurysm.The ratos of MMP-2/TIMP-1,MMP-2/TIMP-2,MMP-2/TIMP-3,MMP-9/TIMP-2 were higher in cerebral ruptured aneurysms than in unruptured aneurysms.Patients with cerebral ruptured aneurysm had higher serum MMP-2,MMP-9 levels than those unruptured aneurysm.Conclusion The difference of MMP expression level between ruptured and unruptured aneurysm is related with aneurysm rupture. Key words: Intracranial aneurysm;  Matrix metalloproteinase;  Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases