AB0267 Correlation of MMP3 Serum Levels with Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: M. Skacelova, Z. Heřmanová, P. Horák, M. Žurek, A. Smržová
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2014)

<h3>Background</h3> The cartilage destruction in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is also influenced by the actions of matrix metalloproteinase enzymes (MMPs) released by synovial cells in response to IL-1, TNF-α, epidermal growth factor and platelet derived growth factor. MMPs are a family of endoproteases, they participate in the maintenance and remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM). They play a central role not only in many physiological processes, but also in many diseases. Elevated expression of their activity is implicated for example in arthritis, cancer metastasis, skeletal growth-plate disorders, tissue ulceration etc. MMP-3 is thought to play a pivotal role in joint destruction in RA. Following the inflammation of synovial tissue MMP-3 expression and secretion into synovial fluid is increased. The amount of MMP-3 in serum correlates with concentration in the synovial fluid. High levels of serum MMP-3 can be predictive of destructive processes in the joints even in an early state of disease. Measurement of MMP-3 is suitable for control of disease activity in RA patients. <h3>Objectives</h3> MMP-3 is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of RA as it degrades a range of matrix proteins found in connective tissue in the synovial joint. This study aimed to evaluate the values of MMP-3 in serum of patients with RA, in patients with other diagnoses and in healthy controls. We compared the concentration of MMP-3 with other laboratory parameters routinely used to assess disease status, clinical score (DAS28) and radiographic stage of disease in the group of RA patients. <h3>Methods</h3> We examined 92 patients with RA, 24 patients without RA and 26 healthy subjects. The concentration of MMP-3 was measured in serum by ELISA method using commercial kit AESKULISA DF MMP3. Differences between the three groups were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test. Correlations were sought using Spearman9s correlation analysis. <h3>Results</h3> The differences in serum concentration of MMP-3 were statistically significant between RA and controls (p&lt;0.0001), RA and non-RA groups (p=0,008) as well as between non-RA and controls (p=0,009). The MMP-3 concentrations were compared further with other laboratory parameters and clinical and X-rays data. Spearman9correlation analysis shows correlation between MMP-3 and CRP (r=0.304, p&lt;0.01), DAS 28 (r=0.301, p&lt;0.05), anti CCP antibodies (r=0.251, p&lt;0.01), FW (r=0.208, p&lt;0.01), and X-ray stage (r=0.211, p&lt;0.01). No correlation was found between values of MMP-3 and rheumatoid factor (RF). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Our data confirmed that patients with RA have increased level of MMP-3 compared to healthy controls. The concentration of MMP-3 correlated with DAS 28, CRP, anti CCP, ESR and X-ray stage. These findings support the notice that MMP-3 plays an important role in pathology of RA. In conjunction with available laboratory methods and clinical examinations it can be a useful marker for joint destruction prediction. <h3>References</h3> Mamehara A et al. Kobe J Med Sci 2010; 56 (3): 98-7 Houseman M et al. Arthritis Research &amp; Therapy 2012; 14:R30 <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> Supported by IGA UP LF_2014_010 <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared <h3>DOI</h3> 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.2303