Circulating level of matrix metalloproteinases mmp-1 and mmp-3 in rheumatic disorders

Abstract EN

Objective: To assess the plasma level of matrix metalloproteinases collagenase (MMP-1) and stromelysin (MMP-3) in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and seronegative disorders such as psoriatic (PSA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

We also, tried to investigate whether determining the levels of MMP-3 and MMP-1 offered advantages over established laboratory variables in assessing the clinical activity of RA.

Methods: Plasma levels of MMP-1 and MMP-3 were determined with ELISA from 15 RA patients, 10 SLE patients, 10 psoriatic and 5 AS as well as 10 healthy controls.

Activity indices of RA were assessed according to Mallya and Mace scores (1981).

SLE patients' activity was assessed according to SLEDAI (Bombardier et al., 1992).

AS patients activity was determined according to Careemers et al.

(1996).

Results: Our results revealed high plasma levels of MMP-3 in RA patients (121.8±29.94), SLE patients (101±38.28) and AS patients (65.6±23.7).

Comparison of serum level of MMP-3 in different groups revealed a highly significant difference in MMP-3 levels between the studied groups and control group.

Of interest, MMP-3 level of RA sera showed a significant increase from those of SLE patients and those of AS.

Regarding MMP-3 in RA patients there was a significant correlation with different inflammatory indices and degree of severity.

There was a significant increase in the serum level of MMP-1 in PSA cases and a highly significant increase in SLE and AS patients in comparison to controls.

MMP-1 serum level in RA patients did not differ from that of controls.

In SLE patients, none of the clinical manifestations correlated with MMP-3 level.

In PSA patients, CRP correlated with MMP-1 and MMP-3 levels (r= 0.62926, r=0.9239 respectively).

In AS patients there was a significant correlation between MMP-3 and disease duration, ESR and joint count (r=0.98596, r=0.96692, r=0.985 respectively).

Conclusion: In the vast majority of patients having rheumatic disorders, serum concentrations of MMP-3 are increased and correlated with systemic markers of inflammation.

Thus indicating that this variable is not specific for RA or any disease in which bony erosions occur.

Regarding MMP-1 level, it was not significantly increased in RA patients as compared to controls.

This observation suggests that in RA, the increase in MMP-1 synthesis may not be large enough or sufficiently wide spread to be reflected in the serum.