Assessment of the concentration of selected metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9 and MMP-13) in patients with ulcers as a complication of type 2 diabetes

Introduction
Impaired chronic wound healing is a great challenge for modern medicine. This process causes ulceration especially in the course of diseases such as type II diabetes mellitus.

Aim
This study assesses the concentration of selected matrix metalloproteinases in the example of metalloproteinase 2, 3, 9, 13 in patients with impaired healing of chronic wounds as a complication of type 2 diabetes.

Material and methods
Nineteen people took part in the assessment of wound healing in patients with type 2 diabetes. The control group consisted of 21 healthy people. In the blood serum the concentration of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9 and MMP-13 was determined.

Results
The concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-3 in the group of patients with ulcers were significantly higher (61% and 84% accordingly) compared to those in the control group without chronic wounds. No statistically significant differences in MMP-9 and MMP-13 concentrations were observed between the study and control groups.

Conclusions
The increase in MMP-2 concentration, which is particularly active in the degradation of type IV collagen, which is the main component of the basal membranes, in patients with type 2 diabetes may impede and delay the healing of chronic wounds and thus contribute to the intensification of vascular complications. In turn, the increase in MMP-3 concentration, which plays a significant role in vascular diseases, in patients with type 2 diabetes may lead to intensification of atherosclerotic changes involving the arteries of the lower extremities and ulceration.