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Excessive matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the plasma of community-acquired pneumonia

Shun-Fa Yang1, Shu-Chen Chu, I-Chen Chiang

  • 1Institute of Biochemistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan.

Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry
|January 18, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is elevated in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and decreases with antibiotic treatment. MMP-9 levels correlate with white blood cell and neutrophil counts in CAP patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is implicated in pulmonary inflammatory disease pathogenesis.
  • MMP-9 plays a role in the inflammatory processes associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify plasma MMP-9 levels in patients with CAP.
  • To assess changes in MMP-9 concentration before and after antibiotic therapy for CAP.

Main Methods:

  • Gelatin zymography was employed to measure MMP-9 activity.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) determined MMP-9 levels.
  • Study included 46 CAP patients and 35 healthy controls.

Main Results:

  • CAP patients exhibited significantly higher WBC counts, neutrophil counts, MMP-9 activity, and MMP-9 levels compared to controls (P<0.001).
  • Antibiotic treatment normalized MMP-9 activity and levels in CAP patients (P<0.001).
  • MMP-9 levels showed a positive correlation with WBC and neutrophil counts both pre- and post-treatment.

Conclusions:

  • MMP-9 is likely a key factor in CAP pathogenesis.
  • MMP-9 levels demonstrate a positive correlation with neutrophil counts in CAP.

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