A study of metalloproteinases in fifty joint fluid specimens.
OBJECTIVE
To study the activity and concentrations in joint fluid of gelatinases (A or matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and B or MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), and stromelysin-1 (MMP-3).


METHODS
Synovial fluid specimens obtained as part of a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure were studied. Protein levels were determined, cells counted, crystals looked for and microbiological studies done. Gelatinolytic activity was determined quantitatively using computerized zymography. Proteins were identified by electrotransfer and immunorevelation. TIMP-1 and stromelysin-1 were assayed using an ELISA. Results were confronted with laboratory test and clinical findings.


RESULTS
Of the 50 specimens studied, 25 were from joints with mechanical disorders and 25 from joints with inflammatory disorders. Activated MMP-2 was found in all the specimens, with no differences between the two groups. MMP-9 was found only in its inactive form. MMP-9, TIMP-1 and MMP-3 were found more often in inflammatory than in mechanical fluids and the levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were correlated with neutrophil counts. In the 16 fluids from rheumatoid arthritis patients, levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were closely correlated with serum C-reactive protein levels.


CONCLUSIONS
MMP-9, TIMP-1, and MMP-3 levels show striking differences between inflammatory and mechanical joint fluids.
Gaudin
P
P
Rheumatology Department, Michallon Teaching Hospital, Grenoble, France.
Razakaboay
M
M
Surla
A
A
Berthier
S
S
Fauconnier
J
J
Morel
F
F
Phelip
X
X
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000378:metabolism*; D017364:Collagenases / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D018093:Gelatinases / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000201:enzymology*; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism
D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; D017364:Collagenases; D018093:Gelatinases; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9