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Matrix metalloproteinase-3 serum levels are correlated with disease activity and predict clinical response in
C Ribbens1, B Andre, J M Jaspar
1Department and Laboratory of Rheumatology, University of Liège, Belgium. Clio.Ribbens@ulg.ac.be
Objective:
To demonstrate that serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) is a variable associated with disease activity and with the response to treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods:
Serum MMP-3 levels were measured and compared to biological and clinical disease activity variables in 20 patients with active RA assessed serially during a one year prospective open label trial with methotrexate or tenidap.
Results:
MMP-3 levels were significantly correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 serum levels as well as with the disease activity score (DAS), not only at start in untreated patients but also during the 12 month followup period in both treated groups. Early changes (after 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 months) in MMP-3 levels were significantly associated with change in DAS observed 4 to 6 months later.
Conclusion:
In addition to CRP, a systemic marker of inflammation, serum MMP-3 may serve as a consistent synovial derived marker of RA disease activity, early changes of which predict disease outcome.
Insights
Serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) is a reliable indicator of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity. Early changes in MMP-3 levels can predict treatment response and disease outcomes in RA patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and potential systemic involvement.
- Accurate markers for disease activity and treatment response are crucial for effective RA management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) levels and disease activity in RA.
- To determine if MMP-3 levels correlate with treatment response in patients with active RA.
Main Methods:
- Serum MMP-3 levels were measured in 20 RA patients over a one-year prospective trial.
- MMP-3 levels were compared with biological markers (CRP, IL-6) and clinical disease activity scores (DAS).
- Patients received methotrexate or tenidap treatment during the study.
Main Results:
- Serum MMP-3 levels showed significant correlations with C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and disease activity score (DAS).
- These correlations were observed at baseline in untreated patients and throughout the 12-month follow-up in treated groups.
- Early fluctuations in MMP-3 levels (0.5-3 months) predicted changes in DAS observed 4-6 months later.
Conclusions:
- Serum MMP-3 serves as a consistent, synovium-derived marker of RA disease activity, complementing systemic markers like CRP.
- Early monitoring of MMP-3 changes offers predictive value for RA disease outcomes.
- MMP-3 is a potential biomarker for assessing disease activity and treatment efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis.