Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-2) and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases (TIMP-2) in Male Inguinal Hernia Patients at Different Ages

Background: Collagen metabolism, controlled by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), might be related to inguinal hernia formation. It was reported that the incidence of inguinal hernia and the recurrence rate after inguinal hernia repair were higher in the elderly. The objective of the research was to assess the amounts of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in patients at different ages in order to examine the relationship between age and inguinal hernia occurrence.

Methods: The research included 40 primary inguinal hernia male patients, and four groups were created: 50-59 years old (A group); 60-69 years old (B group); 70-79 years old (C group); 80-89 years old (D group). We got the samples from anterior rectus sheath fascia. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were applied to estimate the levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2.

Results: The MMP-2 amounts in C and D group were statistically higher than control group (P < 0.05), and the TIMP-2 levels in C and D group were statistically lower than control group (P < 0.05). We found a positive correlation between age and expression levels of MMP-2 (r = 0.537, P < 0.001; r = 0.569, P < 0.001) and a negative correlation between age and TIMP-2 in inguinal hernia patients (r = - 0.759, P < 0.001; r = - 0.759, P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Increased MMP-2 and reduced TIMP-2 may have some relationships with higher inguinal hernia incidence of the elderly.