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Matrix metalloproteinase-9: its interplay with angiogenic factors in inflammatory bowel diseases
Malgorzata Matusiewicz1, Katarzyna Neubauer2, Magdalena Mierzchala-Pasierb1
1Department of Medical Biochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 10, 50-358 Wroclaw, Poland.
Abstract:
Matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 9 is one of the main metalloproteinases reported to be involved in extracellular matrix degradation and recently also in triggering of angiogenic switch in the course of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The goal of our studies was to estimate in one experimental setting the levels of MMP-9 in sera of Crohn's Disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and to evaluate its possible diagnostic potential in comparison with other biochemical markers and selected proinflammatory and angiogenic factors. The study group included 176 subjects (CD = 64, UC = 85, control = 27). Concentrations of serum MMP-9 were significantly higher in active than inactive forms of IBD, being higher in active UC than in active CD. Both in the case of CD and UC serum MMP-9 positively correlated with disease activity, IL-6 levels, platelet and leukocyte count, midkine, and PDGF-BB, as well as in UC with ESR and in CD with CRP, IL-1, and VEGF-A. Diagnostic accuracy of MMP-9 in distinguishing active UC from active CD was 66%, and displayed higher specificity than CRP (79.0% versus 61.6%, resp.). Evaluation of serum MMP-9 concentrations could aid in differentiation of active UC from active CD. MMP-9 correlated better with inflammatory and angiogenic parameters in CD than in UC.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels are higher in active inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), particularly ulcerative colitis (UC) compared to Crohn's Disease (CD). MMP-9 shows potential in differentiating active UC from active CD.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is implicated in extracellular matrix degradation and angiogenesis.
- MMP-9 plays a role in the angiogenic switch during inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess serum MMP-9 levels in Crohn's Disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.
- To evaluate the diagnostic potential of MMP-9 in distinguishing between CD and UC, comparing it with other markers.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 176 subjects: 64 CD, 85 UC, and 27 controls.
- MMP-9 concentrations were measured and correlated with disease activity and inflammatory/angiogenic factors (IL-6, CRP, VEGF-A, etc.).
Main Results:
- Serum MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in active IBD than inactive forms, and higher in active UC than active CD.
- MMP-9 positively correlated with disease activity, IL-6, platelets, leukocytes, midkine, and PDGF-BB in both CD and UC.
- MMP-9 showed higher specificity than CRP in distinguishing active UC from active CD (79.0% vs 61.6%).
Conclusions:
- Serum MMP-9 evaluation may assist in differentiating active UC from active CD.
- MMP-9 correlates more strongly with inflammatory and angiogenic parameters in CD than in UC.
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