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Matrix metalloproteinase-7 could be a predictor for acute inflammation in psoriatic patients
Arbia Abbes1, Yosra Zayani2, Wiem Zidi2
1University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, LR99ES11, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia; University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Tunisia.
Purpose:
The pathogenesis of psoriasis is characterized by a disruption of extracellular matrix (ECM) in which matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate actively. We aimed to determine MMP-7 level and its association with the inflammatory response in order to determine its usefulness as a biomarker for psoriasis prediction. We also aimed to determine its distribution in uninvolved and involved psoriatic skin to evaluate the probable role of MMP-7 in psoriasis pathogenesis.
Materials And Methods:
We recruited 108 psoriatic patients and 133 healthy controls. MMP-7, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) assay. MMP-7 expression was detected by Immunohistochemistry (IHC) study.
Results:
ECM turnover and inflammatory biomarker levels were significantly higher in psoriatic patients. MMP-7 revealed to be independently associated to psoriasis even after adjustment for different models. The area under the curve (AUC) of MMP-7 and inflammation Z-score were similar. MMP-7 was positively correlated with IL-6 and inflammation Z-score. Psoriasis severity (PASI) was correlated significantly with IL-6 (p = 0.007). The MMP-7 expression was detected in the epidermis of involved and uninvolved psoriatic skin. In involved skin, MMP-7 was expressed by basal and mostly suprabasal keratinocytes. In uninvolved skin, expression of MMP-7 was restricted to basal keratinocytes.
Conclusion:
MMP-7 is independently associated to psoriasis disease and to inflammatory response which make it a potential biomarker for this dermatosis.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) is linked to psoriasis and inflammation, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for predicting this skin condition. MMP-7 levels were elevated in patients, correlating with disease severity and inflammatory markers.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and immunology research.
- Biochemistry and molecular biology.
Background:
- Psoriasis pathogenesis involves extracellular matrix (ECM) disruption, with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) playing an active role.
- Understanding the role of specific MMPs, like MMP-7, is crucial for identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in psoriasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) levels in psoriatic patients.
- To investigate the association between MMP-7 and inflammatory markers in psoriasis.
- To evaluate MMP-7's potential as a predictive biomarker and its distribution in psoriatic skin.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to measure MMP-7, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in 108 psoriatic patients and 133 healthy controls.
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to detect MMP-7 expression in involved and uninvolved psoriatic skin.
Main Results:
- Psoriatic patients exhibited significantly higher ECM turnover and inflammatory biomarker levels compared to controls.
- MMP-7 was independently associated with psoriasis, showing a similar predictive capability to inflammation scores (AUC).
- MMP-7 levels positively correlated with interleukin-6 (IL-6) and inflammation scores, and its expression varied in keratinocytes between involved and uninvolved skin.
Conclusions:
- Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) is independently associated with psoriasis and its inflammatory response.
- MMP-7 demonstrates potential as a predictive biomarker for psoriasis.
- The distribution of MMP-7 in psoriatic skin suggests a role in the disease's pathogenesis.

