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Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis. A Preliminary Study

Authors :
Vincenzo Di Stefano
Chiara Tubiolo
Andrea Gagliardo
Rosalia Lo Presti
Maria Montana
Massimiliano Todisco
Antonino Lupica
Gregorio Caimi
Cristina Tassorelli
Brigida Fierro
Filippo Brighina
Giuseppe Cosentino
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