Downregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 genes in obesity patients and their relation with obesity-related phenotypes

Objectives Adipose tissue mediates various bioactive molecules and cytokine discharge. The anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10 (IL-10), has roles in systemic inflammation. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases implicating in tissue remodeling, and extracellular matrix degradation. Interleukins and MMPs may have specific roles in obesity development. In this investigation, we marked the roles of IL-10, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in obesity and its related clinical phenotypes. Methods Using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), also ELISA, IL-10, MMP-2, and MMP-9 mRNA and protein levels were detected respectively in the subcutaneous adipose tissues of 34 patients with obesity and 36 healthy individuals. Results MMP-2 and MMP-9 gene expression were significantly downregulated in obesity patients compared to controls (p=0.004, p=0.045). Nevertheless, IL-10 was elevated in the obesity group as to controls (p=0.010). MMP-2 mRNA expression was correlated with fasting blood glucose levels (r=0.426, p=0.013) in the patient group. As for protein levels, MMP-2 concentration decreased in patients compared to controls (p=0.001). Moreover, MMP-2 was correlated with BMI (r=-0.411; p=0.022) and weight (r=-0.381; p=0.034) in obesity group. Conclusions MMP-2, MMP-9, and IL-10 may be related to increased susceptibility to obesity development and its related phenotypes in a sample of Turkish patients with obesity.