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Updated: Nov 20, 2025
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
Matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: Possible markers and
Arzu Sanli1, Musa Ozturk1, Aysun Soysal1
1Department of Neurology, Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Neurology and Psychiatry, Istanbul, Turkey.
Background And Purpose:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are synthesized by many cell groups and responsible for the destruction of matrix proteins, and endogen tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) have a role in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by affecting the blood-brain barrier. We aimed to investigate the role of MMPs and TIMPs in the immunopathogenesis and in the course of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Methods:
We enrolled 25 relapsing remitting MS patients, who had a definite MS diagnosis according to McDonald criteria and 25 healthy subjects similar for age and gender as control group. MMP-9- and TIMP-1 levels were measured twice in patient group (one time during an attack and one in remission) and once in healthy subjects.
Results:
MMP-9- and TIMP-levels of patients during attack and remission period and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio were found significantly higher than in the control subjects. In patient group MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio during attacks were not significantly different than during remission period. However, when subdivided according to their number of attacks, patients with 2 attacks had significantly higher levels during attack period comparing to remission period (p<0.05); in case of patients with more than 2 attacks did not have a statistically significant difference in attack and remission periods.
Conclusion:
Matrix metalloproteinases are important actors in MS immunopathogenesis, particularly in the early period and inhibitor agents for these enzymes can be used as a treatment option.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) are elevated in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. These enzymes play a key role in MS immunopathogenesis, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
- These proteins influence the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, a critical factor in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MMPs and TIMPs in the immunopathogenesis of MS.
- To analyze the involvement of MMPs and TIMPs in the disease course of MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Studied 25 relapsing-remitting MS patients and 25 healthy controls.
- Measured MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels in MS patients during attacks and remission, and in controls.
Main Results:
- MS patients exhibited significantly higher MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios compared to controls.
- Levels did not significantly differ between attack and remission phases in the overall patient group.
- Patients with 2 attacks showed higher levels during attacks versus remission, unlike those with >2 attacks.
Conclusions:
- MMPs are crucial in MS immunopathogenesis, especially in early stages.
- Inhibitors targeting MMPs represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MS treatment.
