Evaluation of MMP-9 enzyme in drug-induced suicide cases admitted to the emergency room

• Published in: Journal of psychiatric research Vol. 180; pp. 163 - 168
• Main Authors: Elveren, Firdevs, Öztürk, Nurinnisa, Akgöl Gür, Sultan Tuna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2024
• Subjects: Biomarker; ELISA; High-dose drug intake; MMP-9; Suicide; Biomarker; Suicide; MMP-9; ELISA; High-dose drug intake
• ISSN: 0022-3956; 1879-1379; 1879-1379
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.10.006

This study investigates MMP-9 enzyme levels in patients who attempted suicide by taking high doses of drugs, considering their sociodemographic characteristics.
The study included 45 patients who attempted suicide by high-dose drug intake admitted to the emergency room and 45 healthy volunteers with no neuropsychiatric disorders. Blood samples were collected to measure MMP-9 levels, and informed consent was obtained. The samples were centrifuged and analyzed using the ELISA method, with results statistically compared.
Findings indicate that being single and a student significantly increased suicide tendencies (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). Psychiatric disorders were the most common cause at 40.0%, followed by antidepressants (55.6%), analgesics (20.0%), and antidiabetics (8.9%) as the most used drugs for suicide. MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in patients who attempted suicide compared to controls (83.74 (±7.14) ng/mL vs. 54.97 (±12.27) ng/mL, p = 0.001). Additionally, MMP-9 levels were higher in single patients compared to married or divorced individuals (p = 0.008). MMP-9 levels were lower in patients with psychiatric disorders, recent psychiatric services, family history of psychiatric disorders, and previous suicide attempts (p = 0.014, p = 0.046, p = 0.035, p = 0.034).
This study shows MMP-9 enzyme can be a potential biomarker for drug-induced suicide attempts, emphasizing the importance of evaluating MMP-9 levels to assess suicide risk and develop prevention strategies.