Objective:To elucidate the relationship between pro-inflammatory cytokine(IL-1,IL-6,TNF-α),anti-inflammatory cytokine（IL-10） and MMP-2 and their effects on the stability of plaque in unstable angina. Methods: The concentrations of IL-1,IL-6,TNF-α,IL-10,MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were analyzed using ELISA in 170 patients divided into two groups, stable angina(n=35) and unstable angina(n=135), and were compared with 30 healthy control subjects. Results:The serum levels of IL-1,IL-6,TNF-α,IL-10,MMP-2,TIMP-2 were significantly higher in UAP group and SAP group compared with the healthy control roup(P＜0.05); and so they are the ratio of MMP-2/TIMP-2 and (IL-1+IL-6+TNF-α)/IL-10(P＜0.05). The above cytokines and ratios in patients with unstable angina were significantly higher than those with stable angina(P＜0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between MMP-2 and IL-10,IL-1+IL-6+TNF-α)/IL-10 in patients with unstable angina. In the multiple linear regression analysis, the level of MMP-2.Conclusion: The imbalance of proinflammation/anti-inflammation could lead to unstability of the plaque by the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2,which could trigger unstable angina.
