Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
HERNIA, cilt.29, sa.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Aim Inguinal hernias are one of the most common operations performed worldwide, but etiopathogenesis remains important in current practice. Recent studies have frequently examined factors affecting the extracellular matrix and collagens and their association with hernias. This study aimed to investigate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors in the etiopathogenesis of inguinal hernia. Methods Serum samples obtained from 90 male inguinal hernia patients and 70 male control patients who presented to our clinic between March 15, 2024, and September 30, 2024, were analyzed using the ELISA method. Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-8, MMP-13) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1, TIMP-2) were measured. The serum level results were compared in terms of net MMP activity, which was determined by calculating the MMP/TIMP ratios. Results The serum level of MMP-1 was found to be significantly higher in the hernia group (9.1 vs. 7.5; p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the levels of other enzymes. In terms of net MMP activity, the ratios of MMP-1/TIMP-1 (hernia: 1.1 vs. control: 0.8, p = 0.01), MMP-1/TIMP-2 (hernia: 0.3 vs. control: 0.2, p < 0.001), and MMP-13/TIMP-2 (hernia: 0.14 vs. control: 0.11, p = 0.046) were higher in the hernia group, whereas the MMP-8/TIMP-1 ratio (hernia: 4.5 vs. control: 7.0, p = 0.017) was lower. Conclusion In the inguinal hernia group, the serum level of MMP-1 and net MMP activity were increased, while the MMP-8/TIMP-1 ratio was decreased compared to the control group. These findings suggest that these markers may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of hernia.