Extracellular matrix proteins matrix metallopeptidase 9 (<scp>MMP</scp>9) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (<scp>sICAM</scp>‐1) and correlations with clinical staging in euthymic bipolar disorder

Abstract

A collection of disparate findings herein point to a role of MMP9 and cICAM-1 in the patho-progressive process of BD: the increased levels of serum MMP9 and sICAM-1, the correlation between higher levels of these parameters, progressive stage, and cognitive dysfunction in BD, and the positive correlation with subthreshold symptoms. As sICAM-1 and MMP9 are reliable biomarkers of inflammatory and early atherosclerotic disease, these markers may provide indications of the presence of occult cardiovascular disease in this highly at-risk population.