Rheumatology 2000; 39: 1357-1365
© 2000 British Society for Rheumatology
Synovial fluid matrix metalloproteinase-3 levels are increased in inflammatory arthritides whether erosive or not
Rheumatology Department, University Hospital of Liège, CHU Sart-Tilman B35, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
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) 
, 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.
Conclusion. 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.
KEY WORDS: Synovial fluid, MMP-3, Erosions, Rheumatoid arthritis, Reactive arthritis, Acute crystal arthritis.
Correspondence to: C. Ribbens, CHU Sart-Tilman B35, Rheumatology Department, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
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