CORRELATION OF PERIPHERAL BLOOD MMP-2 AND TIMP-1 WITH THE OCCURRENCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF DIABETIC FOOT

Yubiao Liu^#, Shan Zhao^#, Haoran Huang^*

Department of Surgical, South Area of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. Beijing 102618, China

Objective: To investigate the correlation of peripheral blood matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and its tissue inhibitory factor-1 (TIMP-1) with the occurrence and development of diabetic foot. 

Methods: A total of 68 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) diabetic foot were selected as the diabetic foot group, and 68 non-diabetic foot patients with T2DM were selected as the control group. The differences in serum MMP-2 and TIMP-1 levels between the two groups were compared. They were also divided into a grade II foot gangrene group (n=28), grade III foot gangrene group (n=40) and mixed pathogen infection group (n=23). The levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were compared. 

Results: The level of serum MMP-2 in the diabetic foot group was significantly higher than in the control group, while the level of serum TIMP-1 was significantly lower (P<0.05). Serum MMP-2 in patients with grade II foot gangrene was significantly higher than in the control group, while the level of serum TIMP-1 was significantly lower (P<0.05). The level of MMP-2 in the wound exudate in the mixed pathogen infection group was significantly higher than in the single pathogen infection group, and the level of TIMP-1 in the wound exudate was significantly lower than in the single pathogen infection group (P<0.05). The level of MMP-2 in patients with diabetic foot was positively correlated with the levels of HbA1c, TG, and the course of disease (P<0.05). 

Conclusion: The level of MMP-2 in peripheral blood of patients with diabetic foot is significantly increased, the level of TIMP-1 is significantly decreased, and the ratio of MMP-2/TIMP-1 is unbalanced. The changes in MMP-2 and TIMP-1 levels in peripheral blood not only promote the occurrence of diabetic foot but also affect the process of wound healing in patients with diabetic foot.