Figure 2 Levels of Plasma Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in the Two Groups
Plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was measured by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of MMP-9 were measured on day 14 (after the acute phase), on day 90 (after the subacute phase), at 6 and 12 months and then annually during the follow-up. The MMP-9 levels in the DM group were lower than those in the non-DM group at each timepoint (P< 0. 001).