mitral stenosis is characterized by pathological remodelling of valvular tissue but the molecular effectors involved in these processes are not well known. The role of matrix metalloproteinase MMP-9, MMP-3, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 are investigated here.

Subjects and methods: 235 patients with mitral stenosis and 150 healthy control subjects were recruited. MMP-9, MMP-3, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels in plasma were measured using an ELISA assay.

The plasma concentrations of MMP-3, TIMP-1 were significantly lower in patients compared with control group. MMP-9 rate is significantly increased in patients with mitral stenosis. In men, a negative correlation was observed between calcification degree and rate of MMP-9 (r=–0.484, p<0.001) and positive with MMP-3 (r=0.588, p<0.001). In women, positive correlation was found between MMP-9 and mitral area (r=0.387, p=0.002) and also between MMP3 and calcification degree (r=0.603, p<0.001).

This study demonstrates the involvement of the MMP/TIMP system in ECM remodelling of stenosis mitral. We have shown a difference in level of MMP- 9 between the mitral stenosis and the control. MMP9 was involved in calcification of the mitrale valve.