Serum or plasma samples? The 'Cinderella' role of blood collection procedures: preanalytical methodological issues influence the release and activity of circulating matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors, Hampering Diagnostic Trueness and Leading to Misinterpretation

摘要

Dysregulatlons of the synthesis and breakdown of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key processes in the physiopathology of vascular remodeling and the development of atherothrombotic syndromes. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases, belonging to the matrixin family that can degrade almost all the ECM components. Although there is little doubt that MMPs are an important components in cancer invasion and metastasis, they are also regarded as key regulatory molecules in degenerative processes and inflammation, as playing roles also in physiopathological remodeling of the vascular wall and as the pathogenesis of cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases. Thus, MMPs have emerged as potential biomarkers of atherothrombotic risk and predictors of coronary and cerebrovascular disease recurrence.