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.