High circulating levels of MMP-10 may indicate increased susceptibility to severe vascular complications in individuals with T1DM. The findings were published in the Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications.

The study followed 195 adults with T1DM recruited between 2007 and 2010 and tracked outcomes through 2020. Those in the highest quartile of MMP-10 had a threefold higher likelihood of developing severe vascular complications compared with those in the lowest quartile (p=0.038). The composite endpoint included major diabetes-related vascular events.

Genetic analysis revealed a common MMP10 polymorphism, rs17860955, with a minor allele frequency of 12%. Carriers of this variant had significantly lower MMP-10 concentrations (458 vs. 942 pg/mL; p<0.0001) and a non-significant trend toward fewer adverse vascular outcomes.

The results suggest that elevated MMP-10 may serve as a biomarker for vascular risk in T1DM, whereas genetic variants that reduce MMP-10 activity could provide partial cardiovascular protection. Larger studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore therapeutic implications.