Effects of matrix metalloproteinases on spontaneus pneumothorax etiology

Objective: Investigation of the effects of MMP-2, MMP-6, MMP-7, MMP-9 enzymes and A2Mg, a nonspecific inhibitor of these enzymes found in serum, on the etiology of spontaneous pneumothorax. Materials and Methods: MMP-2, MMP-6, MMP-7, MMP-9 and A2Mg levels in routine biochemistry blood samples taken from patients aged 18-25, 26-45 and 46-80 treated in our Thoracic Surgery clinic due to spontaneous pneumothorax were statistically compared with those in the blood samples taken from the control group in the same age group without a history of spontaneous pneumothorax. Relationships between categorical data were assessed using the chi-square test and Fisher's Exacts Test. Variables not showing normal distribution were evaluated using the Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests. Results: High levels of MMP-2, MMP-6, and MMP-9 enzymes were found to be associated with spontaneous pneumothorax in the 18-25 age range. High MMP-6 enzyme levels were found to be associated with spontaneous pneumothorax in the 26-45 age range. High levels of MMP-6, MMP-7, and MMP-9 enzymes were found to be associated with spontaneous pneumothorax in the 46-80 age range. Conclusion: It has been observed that MMP-2, MMP-6, MMP-7, MMP-9 enzymes may be present in the etiology of spontaneous pneumothorax and that there may be an underlying pathology in primary spontaneous pneumothorax, which is defined as being seen mostly in younger age groups and in patients with no underlying lung disease. Keywords: Spontaneous pneumothorax, matrix metalloproteinase, etiology, thoracic surgery