Dynamic changes of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 after burn injury.

PURPOSE

Severe burn is a life-threatening condition. Many trials discuss the role of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases in diseases generating systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and in some, their prognostic importance has been established. We aimed to describe the time courses of the aforementioned system and to evaluate the difference between survivors and nonsurvivors in burns.

MATERIALS

Thirty-one patients were enrolled. Blood samples were collected on admission and on the 5 consecutive days. Circulating matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) have been measured. Healthy individuals were invited as controls.

RESULTS

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 increased in the burn group (P < .001) by day 2 and remained elevated thereafter. Plasma MMP-9 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 were already elevated on admission (P < .001) and decreased in tendency thereafter. In burned patients, significantly lower MMP-9 were noted on days 4 to 6 as MMP-9/TIMP-1 were also lower on days 3 to 6 (P < .01) compared with controls. We experienced difference regarding survival on days 5 and 6 by TIMP-1 (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our research is the first follow-up study elucidating the dynamic changes of MMP-9-TIMP-1 system in severe burns. Alteration of MMP-9-TIMP-1 balance might influence systemic inflammatory response and related mortality. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 might be a good injury marker in burns after an extensive trial.