Figure 2 Levels of Plasma Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in the Two
Groups After Matching
*: result of the longitudinal mixed models
Plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was measured by using
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique, designed by R&D Systems
(Minneapolis, MN, USA), according to the manufacturer’s instructions and
protocols. The levels of MMP-9 were measured at day 14 (after the acute
phase), at day 90 (after the subacute phase), at 6 and 12 months and
then annually during the follow-up. In the diabetes mellitus (DM) group,
the level of MMP-9 was lower at each time point
(P< 0. 001) and reached the highest level earlier
than that of the no DM group, specifically, at day 14.