Objective: The synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) which is claimed to cause early mortal damage during the first moments of coronary reperfusion, is reported to be induced in-vitro by oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL). The in- vivo changes in MMP-1, it's tissue inhibitor (TIMP-1) and oxidized LDL levels during the appearance of early myocardial damage and also their possible relation with other biochemical parameters have not been clearly defined . We aimed to define the changes in these parameters within the first 48 hours following the clinical findings and also their possible relation to known biochemical cardiac indicators of vein lesions.

Materials and Methods: Our study group included 31 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnosed according to laboratory and electrocardiographic results and 17 individuals with equivalent ages without cardiac complaints. The first blood samples were drawn within the first 24 hours following the appearance of cardiac findings and the second samples were drawn within the 24 hours after the first sample. Besides troponin (Tn-I), C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid analysis which are cardiac and atherosclerotic biochemical markers, MMP-1, TIMP-1 and oxidized LDL levels were analyzed.

Results: A significant mild correlation was determined between Gensini Score and TIMP-1/MMP-1 ratio in patients with ACS (r = 0.501, p<0.05). A statistically significant correlation between peripheral TIMP-1 and MMP-1 levels appeared only after 24 hours (r = 0.811, p<0.001). Although in AMI group oxidized LDL levels were higher than patients with unstabil angina pectoris, in all groups there was no correlation between oxidized LDL and the degree of tissuse damage.

Conclusion: TIMP-1/MMP-1 ratio could be a parameter that reflects the level of the myocardial damage and the atherosclerotic lesions in the early phase of acute coronary syndrome.