Comparative Study of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Synovial Fluid from Rheumatoid Arthritis and Arthrosis Patients

摘要

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the most important enzymes involved in joint cartilage degradation,both in healthy and ill persons,mainly in inflammatory joint diseases (rheumatoid arthritis - RA).We assessed the synovial fluid MMPs from RA and arthrosic patients by means of a modified Manicourt-Lefevre zymogen method.Our findings suggest that synovial MMPs and proMMPs can differentiate between RA and atrthrosis.In RA patients we found that certain MMPs types correlated with the activity and severity of disease,as well as with treatment regimens.