Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 30, 2026

A Tuberculosis Molecular Bacterial Load Assay (TB-MBLA)
10:41

A Tuberculosis Molecular Bacterial Load Assay (TB-MBLA)

Published on: April 30, 2020

Circulation level of matrix metalloproteinase-9 is correlated with disease severity in tuberculosis patients

E Hrabec1, M Strek, M Zieba

  • 1Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lódź, Poland. ehrabec@go2.pl

The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease : the Official Journal of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
|August 2, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Active tuberculosis is linked to higher levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Measuring MMP-9 in serum may aid in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis and assessing disease severity.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Parenchymal lung destruction in active tuberculosis involves host and bacterial metalloproteinases.
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression in lung tissue.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify serum levels of type IV collagenases, specifically MMP-9 and MMP-2, in patients with active tuberculosis compared to healthy controls.
  • To investigate the correlation between MMP-9 levels and the extent of radiological changes in pulmonary tuberculosis.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative zymography was employed to measure enzyme levels.
  • Computer-assisted image analysis was used for precise quantification.
  • Serum samples from 20 active tuberculosis patients and 23 healthy volunteers were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Mean serum MMP-9 levels were significantly higher (over threefold) in tuberculosis patients than in healthy controls (P < 0.0001).
  • Serum MMP-2 levels showed no significant difference between the groups.
  • MMP-9 levels were notably higher in patients with advanced disease compared to those with limited radiological changes (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Elevated serum MMP-9 in tuberculosis patients is likely due to increased synthesis or secretion by inflammatory cells in response to M. tuberculosis.
  • Serum MMP-9 quantification may serve as a supplementary diagnostic marker for pulmonary tuberculosis.
  • The association between MMP-9 levels and radiological extent suggests its potential role in monitoring disease progression.

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV

Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III01:31

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Tuberculosis01:23

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, primarily targeting the lungs and spreading through airborne transmission. Infection begins when aerosolized droplet nuclei, expelled by an individual with active TB, are inhaled by another person. These microscopic particles carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Upon reaching the alveoli, the bacilli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, due to their specialized lipid-rich cell wall, these pathogens...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM01:23

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of proteins and glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are essential for the migration and proliferation of cells through the dense matrix network, throughout embryonic development, and throughout morphogenesis. The first MMP activity discovered was a collagenase in a tadpole's tail undergoing metamorphosis. The active collagen deposition and modifications lead to the morphogenesis of tadpoles into the adult body.
A...