Gender-dependent differences in plasma matrix metalloproteinase-8 elevated in pulmonary tuberculosis

Area of Science:

• Immunopathology
• Clinical diagnostics
• Biomarker discovery

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health challenge requiring improved diagnostics and therapeutics.
• Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in TB-related tissue damage.
• Plasma MMPs and gender-specific differences in TB remain understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate plasma matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) concentrations in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).
• To explore potential gender differences in MMP levels in TB patients.
• To identify MMPs as potential diagnostic biomarkers for TB.

Main Methods:

• Plasma MMP concentrations were measured in 380 individuals (TB patients, symptomatic controls, healthy controls).
• Prospective clinical cohort recruitment and characterization.
• Statistical analysis to compare MMP levels and identify correlations.

Main Results:

• Elevated plasma levels of MMP-1, MMP-7, MMP-8, and MMP-9 were observed in pulmonary TB patients.
• MMP-8 showed specificity for TB and inversely correlated with body mass index.
• Plasma MMP-8 concentrations were 1.51-fold higher in males than females with TB, independent of disease severity.

Conclusions:

• Plasma collagenases, particularly MMP-8, are elevated in pulmonary TB.
• Significant gender differences exist in MMP profiles in TB patients.
• Gender should be considered in TB immunopathology research and biomarker development.