Abstract:OBJECTIVE: To examine the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, -9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and hs-CRP, and their relationship with coronary artery in children with Kawasaki disease. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-one children with Kawasaki disease (111 cases with coronary artery damage and 40 cases without) and 60 healthy children were enrolled. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 was detected using ELISA, and the hs-CRP concentration was measured using the endpoint nephelometry. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the level of MMP-2, MMP-9 and hs-CRP between the patients with or without coronary artery damage and the healthy children (P<0.05). The levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 and hs-CRP were the highest in the cardiovascular damage group (P<0.05). There were positive correlations between MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in children with Kawasaki disease. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and hs-CRP may play important roles in the development of Kawasaki disease. The combined measurement of MMP-2, MMP-9 and hs-CRP may be useful in the evaluation of the severity in children with Kawasaki disease.［Chin J Contemp Pediatr, 2009, 11 (12):989-991］
