Matrix metalloproteinase expression in the spondyloarthropathies.
OBJECTIVE
Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors has been an active area of investigation in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Only recently have investigators started to study these factors in spondyloarthropathy. The purpose of this review is to summarize these recent findings.


RESULTS
Multiple matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors are expressed in the synovial fluid as well as serum samples of spondyloarthropathy patients. Their degrees of expression in the synovia correlate with parameters of arthritis activity such as cell infiltration. In the synovial fluids, the factor which is expressed in very high level is matrix metalloproteinase-3. Two separate cohorts demonstrate that serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 correlate with disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis. Their usefulness appears to exceed those of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Multiple studies also indicate that serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 are suppressed when patients are treated with the anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha antibody infliximab.


CONCLUSIONS
New biomarkers are in demand for spondyloarthropathy in deciding whether patients would benefit from treatment with tumor necrosis factoralpha blockers, monitoring response to treatment, or predicting potential of joint damage if untreated. Recent studies show that among the matrix metalloproteinase and their tissue inhibitors, serum MMP-3 is the one with potential usefulness.
Zhu
Jian
J
Rheumatology Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
Yu
David Tak Yan
DT
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood; D000068800:Etanercept; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069285:Infliximab; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 / Q000097:blood; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000032:analysis*; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D025241:Spondylarthritis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000201:enzymology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015415:Biomarkers; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000069285:Infliximab; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3; D000068800:Etanercept