OBJECTIVE: To study the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in the knee synovial fluid (SF) of inflammatory arthropathies (rheumatoid arthritis whether erosive or not, reactive arthritis, acute crystal arthritis) and degenerative arthropathies [chronic crystal disease, osteoarthritis and (control) meniscus pathology] and to correlate them with the degree of joint destruction, local inflammatory and immune parameters and systemic markers of inflammation. METHODS: SF levels of MMP-3 (precursor, active and tissue inhibitor of MMP-bound forms), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, soluble TNF receptors I and II, interleukin (IL)-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor were measured by ELISA in 107 inflammatory and 53 degenerative arthropathies. RESULTS: MMP-3 levels in SF were (i) significantly higher in inflammatory than in degenerative arthropathies; (ii) not related to the degree of joint destruction; (iii) significantly correlated with the levels of all SF markers tested and with erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen. CONCLUSION: Increased MMP-3 levels in SF are found in inflammatory arthropathies and are not specific for erosive joint diseases. MMP-3 in SF is therefore a potential candidate for the assessment of the inflammatory process in joints. However, the exclusive determination of the active form could indicate the degree of joint destruction.
OBJECTIVE: To study the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in the knee synovial fluid (SF) of inflammatory arthropathies (rheumatoid arthritis whether erosive or not, reactive arthritis, acute crystal arthritis) and degenerative arthropathies [chronic crystal disease, osteoarthritis and (control) meniscus pathology] and to correlate them with the degree of joint destruction, local inflammatory and immune parameters and systemic markers of inflammation. METHODS: SF levels of MMP-3 (precursor, active and tissue inhibitor of MMP-bound forms), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, soluble TNF receptors I and II, interleukin (IL)-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor were measured by ELISA in 107 inflammatory and 53 degenerative arthropathies. RESULTS:MMP-3 levels in SF were (i) significantly higher in inflammatory than in degenerative arthropathies; (ii) not related to the degree of joint destruction; (iii) significantly correlated with the levels of all SF markers tested and with erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen. CONCLUSION: Increased MMP-3 levels in SF are found in inflammatory arthropathies and are not specific for erosive joint diseases. MMP-3 in SF is therefore a potential candidate for the assessment of the inflammatory process in joints. However, the exclusive determination of the active form could indicate the degree of joint destruction.
Authors: C Ribbens; M Martin y Porras; N Franchimont; M-J Kaiser; J-M Jaspar; P Damas; F A Houssiau; M G Malaise Journal: Ann Rheum Dis Date: 2002-02 Impact factor: 19.103
Authors: I Tchetverikov; L R Lard; J DeGroot; N Verzijl; J M TeKoppele; F C Breedveld; T W J Huizinga; R Hanemaaijer Journal: Ann Rheum Dis Date: 2003-11 Impact factor: 19.103