Plasma Matrix Metalloproteinases Signature as Biomarkers for Pediatric Tuberculosis Diagnosis: A Prospective...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Accurate diagnosis of pediatric tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant clinical challenge.
• Reliable biomarkers are crucial for timely and effective management of childhood TB.
• Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are implicated in various inflammatory processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate plasma MMPs and TIMPs as potential diagnostic biomarkers for pediatric tuberculosis.
• To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of specific MMPs and TIMPs in children with confirmed, unconfirmed, and unlikely TB.

Main Methods:

• A prospective case-control study included 167 children.
• Plasma levels of 8 MMPs and 4 TIMPs were measured using multiplex assays.
• Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess biomarker performance.

Main Results:

• Active TB cases showed elevated plasma levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4 compared to controls.
• MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 demonstrated over 80% sensitivity and specificity.
• A signature of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing pediatric TB.

Conclusions:

• A baseline plasma MMP signature, particularly MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9, shows promise as an accurate diagnostic biomarker for pediatric TB.
• This MMP signature could facilitate early diagnosis and intervention in children with TB.
• Further validation of this biomarker signature is warranted for clinical application.