title: Serum gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and VCAM-1 as a guideline in a therapeutic approach in Graves' ophthalmopathy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of corticosteroids on soluble MMP-2, MMP-9 and VCAM-1 in patients with Graves ophthalmopathy (GO) in order to assess their usefulness as a guideline in a therapeutic approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  Serum gelatinases and VCAM-1 were detected in three groups of subjects: 20 patients with GO (CAS > or = 3, anamnesis of GO > or = 1 yr), 12 patients with no clinical symptoms of ophthalmopathy (Gd) and 10 healthy volunteers. Corticosteroid therapy consisted of intravenous infusions (2 series, 3 grams each time) of methylprednisolone (MP) and subsequent treatment with oral prednisone (60 mg per day) in a tapering schedule. The serum samples were collected 24 hours before MP, 24 hours after MP, after 14 days of treatment with prednisone and at the end of corticosteroid therapy. The levels of soluble MMP-2, MMP-9 and VCAM-1 were determined by the ELISA method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We have found no differences in serum MMP-2 between the groups studied and a significant reduction after MP only in corticosteroid-resistant GO patients. Soluble MMP-9 was highest in the GO group compared with both the Gd and control individuals. Moreover serum MMP-9 decreased in corticosteroid-responsive GO patients after MP and remained at the lower level at the end of the study. Positive correlations between MMP-2 and MMP-9 before and after MP administration were observed. Serum VCAM-1 was significantly elevated both in GO and Gd subjects and pre-treatment VCAM-1 levels were elevated in corticosteroid-responders compared with non-responders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that serum VCAM-1 may serve as a marker predicting the efficacy of corticosteroids and that soluble MMP-9 may be helpful in monitoring corticosteroid administration and in decision-making with regard to further GO treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok. mysjan@poczta.onet.pl
authors.forename: Janusz
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Myśliwiec
authors.forename: Małgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Adamczyk
authors.forename: Przemysław
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pawłowski
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nikołajuk
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Górska
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D049970:Graves Ophthalmopathy / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000097:blood*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000097:blood*; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D019010:Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; D011241:Prednisone; D008775:Methylprednisolone