Plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 and ACE-inhibitor-induced improvement of urinary albumin excretion in non-diabetic, microalbuminuric subjects

Introduction. Elevated plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels have been suggested to precede the development of microalbuminuria. As angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors effectively reduce urinary albumin excretion (UAE), in the present study we have investigated the potential association of plasma MMP-9 levels with UAE and treatment effects of ACE-inhibition. Material and methods. In a placebo-controlled randomised trial we determined plasma MMP-9 levels at baseline and after three months of randomisation to either placebo (n=202) or fosinopril (20 mg/day, n=204) treatment. Results. Baseline plasma MMP-9 levels were not related to baseline UAE (r=-0.008, p=0.871). Three months of fosinopril treatment effectively reduced UAE compared to placebo treatment (-10.4 +/- 2.4 vs. 1.8 +/- 1.3 mg/24 hours, p Conclusion. The effective reduction of UAE with fosinopril was not related to plasma MMP-9 levels