Age-Related Dynamics of the Content of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-1, -2, -3, and -9) and Tissue Inhibitors of Matrix Metalloproteinases (TIMP-1, -2, and -4) in Blood Plasma of Residents of the European Part of Russia’s Arctic Zone

Abstract

This work presents the results of the first ever study of the enzymes involved in the regulation of extracellular matrix metabolism in the European part of Russia’s Arctic zone. The content of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, -2, -3, and -9) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP-1, -2, and -4) in blood plasma was evaluated in 91 men, residents of the European part of the Russian Arctic (67° N) and 14 men, residents of Western Siberia (55° N). The content of MMP-1 and MMP-9, as well as TIMP-1 and TIMP-4 in the blood plasma was higher in northerners relative to the Western Siberia residents. The age-related dynamics of MMPs and TIMPs in northerners had a multidirectional trend. We observed the maximum content of MMP-1 and MMP-9 in the group of 30–39 year olds; MMP-3, in the group of 40–49 year olds. The content of these enzymes tended to decrease with age. We found the maximum content of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in the group of 50–59 year olds; TIMP-4, in the group of 60–69 year olds; whereas we observed the minimum content of these enzymes in the group of young men under 29 years old. The hyaluronidase activity in plasma was minimal in the group of 30–39 year olds; it increased with age, reaching a maximum value in the group of 50–59 year olds. We can assume that the age-related imbalance in the MMP/TIMP system (a decrease in MMP content with age and vice versa, an increase in TIMP content in older age groups) is one of the reasons for the age-related increase in interstitial fibrosis and premature aging of northerners.