Skip to main content
Passa alla visualizzazione normale.

ANDREA GAGLIARDO

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

  • Authors: Di Stefano, Vincenzo; Tubiolo, Chiara; Gagliardo, Andrea; Lo Presti, Rosalia; Montana, Maria; Todisco, Massimiliano; Lupica, Antonino; Caimi, Gregorio; Tassorelli, Cristina; Fierro, Brigida; Brighina, Filippo; Cosentino, Giuseppe
  • Publication year: 2022
  • Type: Articolo in rivista
  • OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/585255

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.