Background Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) is a protease induced by inflammatory cytokines in rheumatoid synovium and degrades a number of extracellular matrix components of cartilage and bone. Its central role in rheumatoid joint destruction was especially highlighted from both pathophysiological and clinical studies. In addition, serum MMP-3 level is a clinically useful maker for predicting joint destruction and for disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Objectives The aim of our study is to evaluate the serum matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) levels in a group of algerian patients with early and advanced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to healthy subjects.

Methods The study group consisted of 50 patients with RA, including 81.6% women, mean age 45,0±15,0 years, mean duration 4,3±4,2 years, Forty healthy subjects served as a control group (71.4% women, mean age 33,0±13,0 years). Analysis of serum concentrations of MMP-3 was based on a quantitative sandwich ELISA (Aeskulisa DF MMP-3, Aesku.Diagnostics, Wendelsheim, Germany). A cut-off point of 120 ng/ml (men) and 60 ng/ml (women) was used for MMP-3 positive/negative categorization.

Results First of all, 61,3% of patients were rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive and 93,8% anti-CCP positive. MMP-3 is significantly higher in sera of RA patients (Mean value: 175,8±178,2 ng/ml) than in those of control group (Mean value: 23,0±17,8 ng/ml) (p<0,001). The mean value in female and male patients was 161,9±174,7 ng/ml and 237,6±203,8 ng/ml respectively. Further, MMP-3 is higher (188,1±183,7 ng/ml) in sera of patients with early (<2 years duration) than advanced disease (between 3 and 8 years duration) (Mean value: 154,0±153,1 ng/ml) (p<0,05). Interestingly, there is no statistically significant difference between RF-positive patients and RF-negative patients concerning MMP-3 concentration (180,2±196,6 ng/ml vs. 183,3±201,4 ng/ml respectively).

Conclusions In conclusion, patients with RA are characterized by high serum concentrations of MMP-3, particularly in early stages for both female and male affected patients regardless for RF positiviy. Serum concentration of MMP-3 is a useful marker of inflammation in the early stage of RA.

References

1. Tchetverikov,I. et al. (2003) Matrix metalloproteinases-3, -8, -9 as markers of disease activity and joint damage progression in early rheumatoid arthritis. Ann. Rheum. Dis. 62, 1094-1099.

2. Shinozaki,M. et al. (2007) Elevation of serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 as a predictive marker for the long-term disability of rheumatoid arthritis patients in a prospective observational cohort IORRA. Mod. Rheumatol. 17, 403-408.

3. Fiedorczyk,M. et al. (2006) Serum matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. J. Rheumatol. 33, 1523-1529.

Disclosure of Interest None declared

DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.6019