Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 as a Biomarker for Diagnosis and Monitor Disease Progression in Psoriatic Arthritis

To evaluate the potential of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as a diagnostic marker for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to investigate the correlation between MMP-9 levels and PsA disease activity.

A total of 72 subjects participated in this cross-sectional study, consisting of 43 patients diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and 29 healthy control subjects. The Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index and Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis were utilised to evaluate the disease activity levels in PsA patients. To measure serum levels of MMP-9 the quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was applied. Results: The mean age of PsA patients is 43.81 ± 12.82 years, with a mean BMI of 29.46 ± 5.91 kg/m², significantly higher than healthy subjects (p < 0.01). Oneway ANOVA indicates a significant difference in serum MMP-9 levels among active PsA, inactive PsA, and healthy controls [F(2, 68) = 21.15, p < 0.001]. Serum MMP-9 levels significantly differ between PsA groups and healthy controls (p < 0.001). Pearson correlation shows no link between serum MMP-9 levels and PsA activity. MMP-9 shows strong diagnostic potential for distinguishing PsA patients from healthy controls, with an AUC of 0.88 (p < 0.001).

This study demonstrated that MMP-9 shows promising potential as a diagnostic marker for PsA. but no significant correlation between serum MMP-9 levels and PsA disease activity. These findings highlight the need for further research involving a larger cohort of PsA patients to assess whether MMP-9 could play a complementary role in PsA diagnosis.