The relation of matrix metalloproteinase 1, 2, 3 expressions with clinical and radiological findings in primary and recurrent lumbar disc herniations.

AIM: In this study, our aim was to examine if matrix metalloproteinase expressions (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3) in patients operated with a lumbar disc hernia diagnosis are different in terms of clinical and neuroradiological findings.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 80 patients treated with micro discectomy for lumbar disc hernia. Degeneration was scored via magnetic resonance (MR) images. MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-3 antibodies were used for immunohistochemical evaluation of degenerated disc materials. MMP expressions were compared between primary and recurrent cases, and correlation analysis was conducted.
RESULTS: Discectomy material showed higher expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 in cases of recurrent lumbar disc herniation than in primary herniation. There was no significant relationship between MMP expression and MR degeneration score.
CONCLUSION: MMP-1 and MMP-3 expressions were significantly higher in recurrent cases in terms of magnetic resonance degeneration score. We assume that the higher co-expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 might be used in targeted treatment regiemens in patients with recurrent LDH.