Effects of valsartan on plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 in patients with acute myocardial infarction

AIM: To observe the changes of plasma MMP-9 in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients and the effect of valsartan on MMP-9. METHODS: Ninety AMI patients and 45 control cases were recruited. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: group A (routine treatment group, n=45) and group B (valsartan treatment group, n=45). Plasma MMP-9 and echocardiographic indices were measured in all groups and MMP-9 and echocardiographic indices were measured in patient groups at 1 week, 4 weeks and 12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: No statistical difference was observed in MMP-9 and echocardiographic indices between groups (P>0.05). MMP-9 in group A was statistically lower than in group B 1 week post-treatment. After 4 weeks, MMP-9 returned to normal in both groups and no statistical difference was found in echocardiographic indices between groups. Twelve weeks after treatment, changes were found in echocardiographic indices in both groups. CONCLUSION: Valsartan reduces the expression of MMP-9 and degrades the incidence of ventricular remodeling in AMI patients.