[Pubmed] Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis. A Preliminary Study

[RSS-Bot]

Brain Sci. 2022 Oct 26;12(11):1439. doi: 10.3390/brainsci12111439.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) have recently been proposed as promising biomarkers in different immune-mediated disorders. We evaluated the plasma levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2 and their tissue inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in a patients' cohort with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG).

METHODS: Plasma concentrations of MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were evaluated in 14 patients with generalized MG and 13 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The severity of disease was assessed by the modified Osserman classification.

RESULTS: Compared to the healthy subjects, MG patients had increased plasma concentrations of MMP-9, but reduced plasma levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-1. MG patients also showed a positive correlation between MMP-2 concentrations and disease severity. An increase in MMP-9 levels and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio and a decrease in MMP-2 levels and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio were detected in patients with generalized MG. Higher levels of MMP-2 correlated with greater disease severity.

DISCUSSION: Our preliminary findings suggest that MMPs and TIMPs could play a role in the pathogenesis of MG and might be associated with the risk of clinical deterioration.

PMID:36358365 | DOI:10.3390/brainsci12111439


Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3635836 ... 4&v=2.17.8