Expression of matrix metalloproteinase in patients with Alzheimer and mechanism of huangqi granule (astragalus saponins) intervention

This study investigated expression of matrix metalloproteinases in senile dementia patients and mechanism of Huangqi granule intervention. 78 cases of senile dementia patients were selected as observation group from June 2017 to June 2019, while 62 cases of healthy people were enrolled as control group. Blood samples were collected after admission and levels of matrix metalloproteinase 3,9,13 (MMP-3,9,13) were determined. The observation group was randomly and equally assigned into donepezil hydrochloride group and combined drug group. Mental state examination (MMSE) and Boston diagnostic aphasia test (BDAE) were used to compare the two groups. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Dementia Scale (HDS) scores, biochemical index levels and drug safety were also used. MMP-2, MMP-9 and urinary plasminogen activator levels in observation group were higher and ZO-1 was lower than control group along with higher MMP-3,9,13 mRNA levels (p < 0.05) which were reduced after 3 months of treatment. MMSE scale, BDAE, MoCA, and HDS scores in the combined drug group were higher after 3 months of treatment (p < 0.05). The level of NSE (neuron-specific enolase) was higher and SOD level was lower than in the donepezil hydrochloride group (p < 0.05); nausea and vomiting, muscle spasms, insomnia bradycardia and gastrointestinal bleeding incidence in two groups showed no differences (p > 0.05). The intervention of Huangqi granules can improve cognitive function of patients, inhibit matrix metalloproteinase, thereby improving the level of biochemical indicators without increasing the incidence of complications.