RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Progression from Hypertension to Heart Failure: Mechanisms, Epidemiology, and Prevention JF MD Conference Express YR 2006 FD SAGE Publications VO 6 IS 1 SP 27 OP 27 DO 10.1177/155989770601016 UL http://mdc.sagepub.com/content/6/1/27.abstract AB Michael Zile, MD, Medical University of South Carolina, discussed the HTN-HF continuum, focusing on matrix mettalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Research conducted at his own institution measured plasma profiles of MMPs and TIMPs in HF patients and age-matched healthy people. “We know that inflammatory cytokines induce MMP expression in vitro,” Dr. Zile said. The South Carolina investigators detected MMP/TIMP ratios elevated as high as 16-fold in hypertensive patients with HF.