Serum MMP‐3 and its association with central arterial stiffness among young adults is moderated by smoking and BMI

Central arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. It is characterized by a marked reduction in the elastin‐collagen ratio of the arterial wall extracellular matrix (ECM), and is largely the result of degradation of various ECM components. Matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP‐3) may contribute to central arterial stiffness via its involvement in ECM homeostasis and remodeling. This study examined the association between serum MMP‐3 concentrations and central arterial stiffness and potential interactions of MMP‐3 and traditional cardiovascular risk factors in a population of healthy young adults. A total of 206 participants (n = 109 females) aged 19–25 years were included in the current study. Central arterial stiffness was measured non‐invasively as carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) (m/s). MMP‐3 concentrations (ng/ml) were measured using ELISA techniques. Regression analyses were used to examine the association between cfPWV and MMP‐3, adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), instantaneous mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate, and serum C‐reactive protein. Interactions between MMP‐3 with smoking, BMI, sex, and MAP were analyzed in subsequent regression models. MMP‐3 was an independent predictor of cfPWV (β = 0.187, p = 0.007), and significant interactions between MMP‐3 and regular smoking (β = 0.291, p = 0.022), and MMP‐3 and BMI (β = 0.210, p = 0.013) were observed. Higher serum MMP‐3 concentrations were associated with a faster cfPWV and thus, greater central arterial stiffness. Interactions between MMP‐3 and smoking, and MMP‐3 and BMI may, in part, drive the association between MMP‐3 and central arterial stiffness.