Matrixmetalloproteinases in the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2005 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Multiple sclerosis |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Neurology, neurosurgery, neurosciences |
| Keywords | Metalloproteinases; multiple sclerosis; immunopathogenesis |
| Description | Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the CNS. Matrixmetalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in the immunopathogenesis of MS and are significant contributors to the progression of the inflammatory process. There are 23 MMPs known to play a role in the MS disease process. The aim of this study was to analyse the activity of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in multiple sclerosis and to assess their relationship to the form of the disease. There were 50 patients with definite multiple sclerosis (mean age: 36+/-8 years, mean EDSS score 3.8+/-1.8) studied. Serum levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were quantified by ELISA method in 30 patients with relapsing-remitting form, 10 with definite secondary progressive and 10 with primary progressive form of the disease and compared with those of 50 healthy controls (mean age 36+/-9 years). Mean protein serum levels in control group were: TIMP-2: 47.9 ng/ml, MMP-2: 1887.6 ng/ml. In MS group serum levels were: TIMP-2 46.1 ng/ml, MMP-2 1967.7 ng/ml, in MS group with progressive, and TIMP-2 40.5 ng/ml, MMP-2 2238.5 ng/ml in relapsing-remitting form. There were no statistically significant difference between control and MS groups. The levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were, however, significantly higher in the progressive form of the disease when compared with the relapsing-remitting form of the disease (p< 0.05), probably as a marker of destruction of the nervous tissue.. MMPs ssems to be a promising biological markers which indicate the disease form. |
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