Objectives: To investigate the correlation and predictive value of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) level with cognitive dysfunction and total imaging load in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).
Methods: A total of 80 patients with CSVD who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University between April 2019 and April 2020 were enrolled. All subjects underwent T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2WI, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), serum sample collection, and assessment of cognitive function at a specific time-point after admission. According to the results of the neuropsychological test, subjects were divided into cognitive dysfunction group (n=40) and normal cognitive function group (n=40). The total imaging load was estimated according to the neuroimaging findings. Serum MMP-9 level was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Beside, serum MMP-9 level and total imaging load were compared between the two groups.
Results: Serum levels of MMP-9 and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) were negatively correlated with cognitive function (P<0.05). Serum MMP-9 level was found as a significant factor for diagnosing cognitive impairment due to CSVD (area under the curve (AUC), 0.756; sensitivity and specificity were 97.5% and 75.0%, respectively). THcy level was also found as significant factor for diagnosing cognitive impairment due to CSVD (area under the curve (AUC), 0.727; sensitivity and specificity were 97.5% and 75.0%, respectively).
Conclusion: Serum MMP-9 level and tHcy level were significantly correlated with cognitive function in patients with CSVD. Serum MMP-9 level has a specific correlation with the total imaging load in patients with CSVD. It plays an important role in diagnosing cognitive impairment in patients with CSVD.
Keywords: Cerebral small vessel disease; Cognitive function; MMP-9; Total imaging load.
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