Relationship between matrix metalloproteinases/tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases systems and autoantibody patterns in systemic sclerosis

Clin Biochem. 2007 Aug;40(12):837-42. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2007.03.023. Epub 2007 Apr 19.

Abstract

Objective: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by tissue fibrosis that reflects an imbalance between collagen production and degradation. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases involved in the remodelling of extracellular matrix (ECM). This activity is controlled by tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMPs). Aim of this study was the evaluation of MMP-9/TIMP-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-2 systems in patients with SSc.

Design and methods: SearchLight Human MMP Array 1 was used to measure MMPs and TIMPs in 32 SSc patients and 32 matched healthy controls.

Results: SSc patients showed higher values of both MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in comparison with controls. The patients with anticentromere antibodies (ACA) positivity showed higher values of MMPs and TIMPs in comparison with either controls or the patients with anti-Scl70-positive antibodies.

Conclusion: Results of this investigation suggest that SSc patients with ACA positivity, after a primary fibrogenetic noxa, react with a more abundant release of MMP/TIMP, whereas patients with anti-Scl70 antibody show a normal response.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoantibodies / immunology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Demography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / metabolism
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / metabolism
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases / metabolism*
  • Middle Aged
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / enzymology*
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / immunology*
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / metabolism
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 / metabolism
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9