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Elevated plasma levels of TIMP-1 in patients with rotator cuff tear
Hanna C Björnsson Hallgren1, Pernilla Eliasson, Per Aspenberg
1Institution for Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden. hanna.bjornsson.hallgren@lio.se
Background And Purpose:
Extracellular matrix remodeling is altered in rotator cuff tears, partly due to altered expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors. It is unclear whether this altered expression can be traced as changes in plasma protein levels. We measured the plasma levels of MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in patients with rotator cuff tears and related changes in the pattern of MMP and TIMP levels to the extent of the rotator cuff tear.
Methods:
Blood samples were collected from 17 patients, median age 61 (39-77) years, with sonographically verified rotator cuff tears (partial- or full-thickness). These were compared with 16 age- and sex-matched control individuals with sonographically intact rotator cuffs. Plasma levels of MMPs and TIMPs were measured simultaneously using Luminex technology and ELISA.
Results:
The plasma levels of TIMP-1 were elevated in patients with rotator cuff tears, especially in those with full-thickness tears. The levels of TIMP-1, TIMP-3, and MMP-9 were higher in patients with full-thickness tears than in those with partial-thickness tears, but only the TIMP-1 levels were significantly different from those in the controls.
Interpretation:
The observed elevation of TIMP-1 in plasma might reflect local pathological processes in or around the rotator cuff, or a genetic predisposition in these patients. That the levels of TIMP-1 and of certain MMPs were found to differ significantly between partial and full-thickness tears may reflect the extent of the lesion or different etiology and pathomechanisms.
Insights
Plasma levels of TIMP-1 are elevated in rotator cuff tears, particularly full-thickness tears. These findings may indicate local pathology or genetic factors influencing rotator cuff integrity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Orthopedics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Extracellular matrix remodeling is altered in rotator cuff tears.
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) play a role in this process.
- It remains unclear if these alterations are reflected in plasma protein levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure plasma levels of MMPs and TIMPs in patients with rotator cuff tears.
- To correlate MMP and TIMP levels with the extent of rotator cuff tears.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 17 patients with rotator cuff tears and 16 age- and sex-matched controls.
- Plasma levels of MMPs and TIMPs were measured using Luminex technology and ELISA.
Main Results:
- TIMP-1 plasma levels were elevated in patients with rotator cuff tears compared to controls.
- Patients with full-thickness tears showed higher levels of TIMP-1, TIMP-3, and MMP-9 than those with partial-thickness tears.
- Only TIMP-1 levels were significantly different between patients with rotator cuff tears and controls.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma TIMP-1 may suggest local pathological processes or genetic predisposition in rotator cuff tears.
- Differences in TIMP-1 and MMP levels between partial and full-thickness tears could reflect lesion extent or distinct pathomechanisms.
