[Metalloproteinase activity of the blood in patients with arterial hypertension with paroxysmal form of atrial fibrillation].

Aim of the study was to investigate interrelationship between serum markers of myocardial fibrosis: matrix metalloproteinase -1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and parameters of echocardiography in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and paroxysmal form of atrial fibrillation (n=39). We revealed positive correlation of levels of TIMP-1 with thickness of interventricular septum in diastole (r=0,47, p=0,02), peak velocity of late filling of the right ventricle (r=0,46, p=0,01), and negative relation between MMP-1 levels and degree of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation (r=0,43, p=0,005 and r=0,38, p=0,04, respectively). In the group of patients with increased left ventricular myocardial mass index (LVMMI) TIMP-1 level was significantly higher than in patients with normal LVMMI (p < 0,05). In the group combining patients with concentric and eccentric LV hypertrophy TIMP-1 level was significantly higher than in the group combining patients with LV concentric remodeling and normal geometry (p < 0,05). No correlations were revealed between MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels and parameters of diastolic dysfunction. In patients with AH increase of serum concentrations of TIMP-1 was associated with increased thickness of interventricular septum, increase of LVMMI, and with prognostically unfavorable types of LV remodeling.