Serum MMP-9 and IL-1β Levels in Acute Ischemic Stroke and Their Association with Initial Neurological Severity: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Ischemic stroke (IS) is a leading cause of global mortality and long-term disability. The acute inflammatory response is a critical element in the early pathophysiology and contributes to neuronal damage. Although matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) have been implicated in early ischemic brain injury, their combined prognostic value in the acute phase remains unclear.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum MMP-9 and IL-1β concentrations within the first 24 h of ischemic stroke onset and initial severity of neurological deficits.

Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted with 60 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum levels of MMP-9 and IL-1β were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to assess stroke severity at admission.

Results: Serum levels of MMP-9 and IL-1β were significantly elevated in ischemic stroke patients compared to those in the control group (p < 0.001). Both biomarkers demonstrated a significant positive correlation with the NIHSS scores, indicating an association with greater neurological impairment. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was observed between MMP-9 and IL-1β levels (r = 0.929, p = 0.022).

Conclusion: Elevated serum concentrations of MMP-9 and IL-1β within the first 24 h of ischemic stroke are strongly correlated with the severity of the condition, supporting their potential application as acute inflammatory and prognostic biomarkers.