BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective procedure for treating obesity and metabolic conditions such as type 2 (T2DM). Remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) supports adipose tissue expansion and its metabolic activity, where matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in ECM regulation. The MMPs, particularly MMP-2 and MMP-9, are elevated in patients with morbid obesity, metabolic syndrome, and T2DM.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of weight loss in bariatric surgery patients using oxidative stress markers and to compare MMP levels in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

METHODS

This was a prospective, controlled study including 45 morbidly obese patients with T2DM (BMI > 35 kg/m) who underwent RYGB (n = 24) or VG (n = 21). Weight loss was assessed through anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI). MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were measured preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Significant and sustained weight loss was observed after surgery in both groups, with reductions in BMI. MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels decreased significantly after one year of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery is an effective long-term intervention for weight loss and associated comorbidities, including T2DM. MMP-2 and MMP-9 proved to be effective markers of extracellular matrix remodeling, with significant reductions following surgery.