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Figure 1 MMP1- and TIMP-1 Protein Expression

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 (A), MMP-9 (B), and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1 (C) protein levels in normal (open bars), chronic heart failure (CHF) + angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (ACE-I) (solid bars), and left ventricular assist device (LVAD)-supported hearts without ACE-I (blue bars) and with ACE-I (red bars). Whereas MMP-1 protein levels are slightly reduced in LV samples after LVAD support and ACE-I, TIMP-1 protein levels are significantly elevated in this group compared with CHF hearts without LVAD support. The MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio (D) shows a trend toward better normalization after LVAD support if patients received ACE-I. *p < 0.05 versus normal hearts; p < 0.05 versus CHF + ACE-I (analysis of variance). LV = left ventricle; RV = right ventricle.