Matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 as markers for the prediction of preeclampsia in the first trimester

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a life-threatening condition for the mother and foetus. Globally, it is diagnosed in 10 mil. women every year, which accounts for 3% to 8% of all pregnancies. Currently there is no proven effective treatment for preeclampsia. The aforesaid text actualises the issue of predicting this complication. To determine the prognostic significance of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 levels as early markers of preeclampsia, the present prospective study was conducted. Materials and methods: The levels of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 were assessed in 72 patients. Thirty-four of them subsequently developed preeclampsia during pregnancy (20 patients with moderate preeclampsia, 14 patients with severe preeclampsia), and constituted the basic group; 38 patients made up the control group. Results: In pregnant women with the subsequent development of preeclampsia, the level of matrix metalloproteinase-2 at 11-13 weeks of gestation was 155 +/- 73.4 ng/mL and significantly exceeded its level in pregnant women without hypertensive disorders 75.0 +/- 32.8 ng/mL. The study conducted demonstrates a significantly lower concentration of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in pregnant women with preeclampsia compared to the control - 749 +/- 296 ng/mL and 1,667 +/- 552 ng/mL (P < 0.001). The performed research figures that in the first trimester, the cut-off value of matrix metalloproteinase-2 for predicting the development of preeclampsia is >= 102 ng/mL (sensitivity 88.24% and specificity 82.76%). For matrix metalloproteinase-9, a level of <= 980 ng/mL in the first trimester predicts the development of preeclampsia with a sensitivity of 85.29% and a specificity of 84.48%. Conclusion: The study established the cut-off values of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 for predicting the development of preeclampsia in the first trimester.