Elevated plasma matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in patients with severe sepsis

PURPOSE: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential for tissue remodeling. Our objectives were to determine (1) the concentrations of MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in plasma obtained from patients with severe sepsis, (2) to correlate changes in MMP and TIMP levels with disease severity, and (3) to investigate recombinant activated protein C (rAPC) actions on plasma MMP2, 9 activities from severe sepsis patients. MATERIALS AND …