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Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis. A Preliminary Study
- Source :
- Brain Sciences, Vol 12, Iss 11, p 1439 (2022)
- Publication Year :
- 2022
- Publisher :
- MDPI AG, 2022.
-
Abstract
- Introduction: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) have recently been proposed as promising biomarkers in different immune-mediated disorders. We evaluated the plasma levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2 and their tissue inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in a patients’ cohort with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods: Plasma concentrations of MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were evaluated in 14 patients with generalized MG and 13 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The severity of disease was assessed by the modified Osserman classification. Results: Compared to the healthy subjects, MG patients had increased plasma concentrations of MMP-9, but reduced plasma levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-1. MG patients also showed a positive correlation between MMP-2 concentrations and disease severity. An increase in MMP-9 levels and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio and a decrease in MMP-2 levels and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio were detected in patients with generalized MG. Higher levels of MMP-2 correlated with greater disease severity. Discussion: Our preliminary findings suggest that MMPs and TIMPs could play a role in the pathogenesis of MG and might be associated with the risk of clinical deterioration.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 20763425
- Volume :
- 12
- Issue :
- 11
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- Brain Sciences
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.f95dba0fec894593b02cfdd5e5e7d3b8
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12111439