Synovial fluid matrix metalloproteinase-3 levels are increased in inflammatory arthritides whether erosive or not.
OBJECTIVE
To study the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in the knee synovial fluid (SF) of inflammatory arthropathies (rheumatoid arthritis whether erosive or not, reactive arthritis, acute crystal arthritis) and degenerative arthropathies [chronic crystal disease, osteoarthritis and (control) meniscus pathology] and to correlate them with the degree of joint destruction, local inflammatory and immune parameters and systemic markers of inflammation.


METHODS
SF levels of MMP-3 (precursor, active and tissue inhibitor of MMP-bound forms), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, soluble TNF receptors I and II, interleukin (IL)-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor were measured by ELISA in 107 inflammatory and 53 degenerative arthropathies.


RESULTS
MMP-3 levels in SF were (i) significantly higher in inflammatory than in degenerative arthropathies; (ii) not related to the degree of joint destruction; (iii) significantly correlated with the levels of all SF markers tested and with erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased MMP-3 levels in SF are found in inflammatory arthropathies and are not specific for erosive joint diseases. MMP-3 in SF is therefore a potential candidate for the assessment of the inflammatory process in joints. However, the exclusive determination of the active form could indicate the degree of joint destruction.
Ribbens
C
C
Rheumatology Department, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart-Tilman B35, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
Andre
B
B
Kaye
O
O
Kaiser
M J
MJ
Bonnet
V
V
Jaspar
J M
JM
de Groote
D
D
Franchimont
N
N
Malaise
M G
MG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016918:Arthritis, Reactive / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000201:enzymology
D015415:Biomarkers; D005340:Fibrinogen; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3