Baseline serum level of matrix metalloproteinase-3 as a biomarker of progressive joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients

摘要

Aim: Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) plays a pivotal role in the destruction of bone and degradation of cartilage components in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed in this study to analyze the relation between baseline levels of MMP-3 and the progression of joint damage in RA.