Expression of Cardiac MMPs/TIMPs in Myocardial Infarction and the Effect of β-blockade, ACE-inhibition and ARB on Them

Objectives: To investigate the change of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their relationship with the change of their endogenous tissue inhibitors TIMPs and cytokines in myocardial infarcted rats, and the effect of drug interference. Methods: Measured thechange of the left ventricular (LV) structure and function after myocardial infarction in rats by echocardiography and hemodynemics. The activity and expression of MMPs, TIMPs and cytokines were measured on the level of protein and gene expression. Observed the changes of the parameters above after the treatment of Carvedilol,Fosinopril and Losartan. Results: Both of the activity and the mRNA expression ofMMP-2 and MMP-9 and the mRNA expression of TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TNF-a and IL-1β were increased in LV myocardium after AMI. Left ventricular remodelling and heart failure were attenuated with the treatment of these durgs. Carvedilol was better than Fosinopril and Losartan to reduce the mRNA expression and activity of MMP-2 andMMP-9. Conclusions: MMPs, TIMPs and pro-inflammatory cytokines are changedafter myocardial infarction. Carvedilol, Fosinopril and Losartan can attenuate the LV remodeling and improve heart function. Carvedilol may be more effective in inhibiting the MMPs.