Assessment of activity levels of matrix metalloproteinases and other markers of inflammation in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Violation of the integrity of an unstable atherosclerotic plaque is the main pathogenetic factor in the development of ACS. Along with this, the leading factor contributing to damage to the cap of an atherosclerotic plaque is vascular inflammation. In recent years, interest has been generated in the identification of biochemical markers that reflect the high proteolytic activity of macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques of the coronary arteries. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are extracellular proteolytic enzymes that are products of degradation of the extracellular matrix. Conducting a comparative analysis of the prognostic value of the levels of inflammatory markers - C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, as well as the marker of endogenous destruction - PAPP-A in the blood plasma of patients with various forms of coronary artery disease is of great importance. In this regard, we examined patients with various final forms of ACS (myocardial infarction and unstable angina). As a result of the studies, it was revealed that the levels of PAPP-A and CRP were significantly higher in the ACS group compared to healthy individuals. A correlation was found between PAPP-A levels and CRP and IL-6 levels. The sensitivity of PAPP-A is higher than CRP, so it can be considered as a diagnostic marker of unstable angina.