A) Levels of Plasma Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in the Two
Groups
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 DM group, although the MMP-9
level of DM group reached the highest level (day 14) early than that in
the non-DM group (day 90), the MMP-9 levels of DM group were lower than
non-DM group at each timepoint (P< 0. 001,Figure 2A ), and non-DM group had a 2-fold higher level of MMP-9
after the day 90