Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 2, 2026
Refined Murine Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Published on: June 17, 2025
Matrix metalloproteinase-10: a novel biomarker for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Akihiko Sokai1, Tomohiro Handa2, Kiminobu Tanizawa3
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan. asokai@kuhp.kyoto-u.ac.jp.
Background:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and MMP-7 has been described as a useful biomarker for IPF. However, little is known regarding the significance of MMP-10 as a biomarker for IPF.
Methods:
This observational cohort study included 57 patients with IPF. Serum MMPs were comprehensively measured in all patients, and the relationships between these markers and both disease severity and prognosis were evaluated. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) MMP-7 and -10 levels were measured in 19 patients to investigate the correlation between these markers and their corresponding serum values. Immunohistochemical staining for MMP-10 was also performed in IPF lung tissue.
Results:
Serum MMP-7 and -10 levels correlated significantly with both the percentage of predicted forced vital capacity (ρ = -0.31, p = 0.02 and ρ = -0.34, p < 0.01, respectively) and the percentage of predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (ρ = -0.32, p = 0.02 and ρ = -0.43, p < 0.01, respectively). BALF MMP-7 and -10 levels correlated with their corresponding serum concentrations. Only serum MMP-10 predicted clinical deterioration within 6 months and overall survival. In IPF lungs, the expression of MMP-10 was enhanced and localized to the alveolar epithelial cells, macrophages, and peripheral bronchiolar epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
MMP-10 may be a novel biomarker reflecting both disease severity and prognosis in patients with IPF.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase-10 (MMP-10) shows promise as a biomarker for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Elevated MMP-10 levels in serum and lung tissue correlate with IPF severity and predict disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Biomarker Discovery
- Matrix Metalloproteinases
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) pathogenesis.
- MMP-7 is a known IPF biomarker, but MMP-10's role remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the significance of MMP-10 as a biomarker for IPF.
- To evaluate the relationship between serum MMP levels and IPF disease severity and prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Observational cohort study of 57 IPF patients.
- Comprehensive serum MMP measurement and correlation analysis with disease severity (forced vital capacity, diffusing capacity).
- Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue analysis for MMP-7 and MMP-10.
Main Results:
- Serum MMP-7 and MMP-10 levels correlated with reduced lung function (forced vital capacity and diffusing capacity).
- Serum MMP-10 levels predicted clinical deterioration and overall survival in IPF patients.
- MMP-10 expression was increased in IPF lung tissue, localized to specific cell types.
Conclusions:
- MMP-10 is a potential novel biomarker for IPF.
- MMP-10 reflects both disease severity and prognosis in IPF patients.
