gms | German Medical Science

Background: Matrix-Metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) is involved in the degradation of matrix proteins in different tissues. Literature shows that MMP-3 is overexpressed in rheumatoid arthritis patients (RA), and is involved in the destructive processes of cartilage and bone.

Aim: To evaluate the relevance of MMP-3 for the disease process and therapy response in patients with RA

Methods: 126 naïve, adult RA patients, F/M 1:0.6, respectively, from the ADAPTHERA study cohort, were studied at entry into the study and longitudinally at follow up visits. ADAPTHERA is a network to improve patient care and to find new biomarkers for RA. Follow-up analyses of serum concentration of MMP-3 were performed in comparison to control groups and between active and patients in remission. Classification of disease activity of RA patients was done according to their DAS 28 values. Serum MMP-3 levels have been determined by using a commercially available ELISA (AESKULISA® MMP-3, AESKU.DIAGNOSTICS, Germany).

Results: Mean MMP-3 levels were significantly increased in RA patients compared to the healthy population (males 44.6 ng/ml vs. 25.4 ng/ml; females 26.5 ng/ml vs. 14.2 ng/ml, p<0.0001 respectively). Active RA patients (DAS28>2.6) showed significantly higher MMP-3 levels than inactive patients in remission (DAS28 <2.6; males 55.3ng/ml vs. 36.6 ng/ml; females 29.7ng/ml vs. 24.7ng/ml, p<0.05 respectively). In addition, patients in remission (DAS28<2.6) still showed significantly higher MMP-3 levels than the healthy population (males: 36.6 ng/ml vs. 25.4 ng/ml; females: 24.3 ng/ml vs. 14.2 ng/ml; p<0.0001 respectively).

Conclusion: MMP-3 serum concentrations correlated with disease activity in RA patients and may be a useful biomarker in therapy management.