The Serum Levels Of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) And Its Affecting Factors In Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are members of a family of Zn—dependent endopeptidases that are responsible for degradation of various protein components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). MMPs play an important role in physiological and pathological processes, including embryonic development, pregnancy and parturition, extracellular matrix turnover, tissue remodeling and repair, inflammatory reaction, tumor invasion and metastasis. Of the MMPs family, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) is one of the most important identified so far, which can degrade type Ⅲ,Ⅳ,Ⅴ,Ⅵ,Ⅶcollagens, fibronectin, aminin, vitronectin aggrecan. MMP-3 is synthesized and secreted by macrophages, fibroblasts . It plan an important role in migration of inflammatory cells invasion of tumor cells by degrade the basement membranes.Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the increased production of a broad spectrum of autoantibodies against several self-antigens and immune complexes depositions in the kidneys and other organs. The latter are associated with the infiltration of leucocyte and production of inflammatory reaction. The cause of the disease has not yet been defined yet. The infiltration of inflammatory cells, vascular lesions and abnormality of ECM metabolism have been shown to be involved in lupus nephritis. Thus, MMP-3 may play a role in the pathogenesis of SLE. In this study, serum levels of MMP-3 in 63 patients with SLE and 25 healthy controls were measured, and their clinical significances were discussed in this paperMaterials and methods 1, Clinical data63 patients with SLE and 25 healthy controls were evaluated in this study. All patients fulfilled the American Rheumatism Association 1982 revised criteria for the diagnosis of SLE. The patients included 52 females and 11 males whose age ranged from 11 to 61 with an average of (33.31 ± 12.87) years. The healthy controls included 21 females and 4 males whose age ranged from 18 to 40 with an averse of ( 37.08+11.99). The age and sex of healthy controls matched that of the patients.Disease activity of patients with SLE was evaluated using the SLEDAl standard. Active SLE was defined according to the Zhengmin's criteria, and renal lupus was confirmed by urine analysis (proteinuria higher than 500mg/24h).2> Laboratory studiesThe serum samples were stored at —70°C until use. Serum levels of MMP-3 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISAkits for MMP-3 were purchased from Shanghai Shengxiong Co.. Assays were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions.3 -. Statistical analysisAll data analyses were performed using SPSS 10.0 software. Because serum levels of MMP-3 did not follow a Gaussian distribution, results expressed as median values with the 25—75 centiles (interquartile range). Between group differences were analysed with the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Correlations were determined by Spearman's rank order correlation . P values of less than 0.05 were considered significant.Results1.Serum levels of MMP-3 in patients with SLE and healthy controls Serum levels of MMP-3 were significantly increased in patients with SLE as compared with controls p<0.0012. Influence of disease activity on serum levels of MMP-3Serum levels of MMP-3 in patients with active SLE were significantly...