Serum level of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (stromelysin 1) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: relation to clinical nephritis and neuropsychiatric manifestations

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to assess serum matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) level in patients of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its relation to various clinical and laboratory findings. Patients and methods The study involved 40 female patients with SLE as a study group and 20 sex-matched and age-matched healthy individuals as a control group. All patients were subjected to thorough clinical examinations and laboratory investigations. Disease activity was assessed using SLE Disease Activity Index, as well as Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index. Serum level of MMP-3 was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Patients who showed clinical manifestations of neuropsychiatric lupus were subjected to brain MRI. Results The mean serum MMP-3 was significantly higher in patients with SLE than controls (24.93 ± 21.67 vs. 6.98 ± 1.85,P Conclusion MMP-3 was reported to be higher in patients with SLE than controls and patients who presented with either nephritis or neuropsychiatric symptoms showed elevated level of MMP-3 than patients presented with other clinical manifestations. In addition to its proven role in development of lupus nephritis, this study highlighted the possible role of MMP-3 in neuropsychiatric disease.