The significance of metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3), chemokine CXC ligand 13 (CXCL-13) and complement component C5a in different stages of ANCA associated vasculitis

The aim of the study was to evaluate the significance of metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3), chemokine CXC ligand 13 (CXCL-13) and complement component 5a (C5a) in different stages of ANCA associated vasculitis (AAV). 89 adults were included into the study. 28 patients with active AAV (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score, BVAS>3) formed the Active Group. 24 individuals who were in remission after 6 months of induction therapy formed the Short R Group, while 34 patients with longitudinal remission formed the Long R Group. 28 patients without autoimmune diseases similar in terms of age, gender and stage of kidney disease formed the Control Group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (ROC) was used to evaluate MMP-3, CXCL-13 and C5a as markers of the different phases of vasculitis. In ROC analysis, MMP-3, CXCL-13 and C5a presented a good ability in distinguishing active vasculitis (Active Group) from the Control Group (AUC>0.8), whereas only CXCL-13 displayed potential ability in distinguishing active vasculitis (Active Group) from long term remission (Long R Group, AUC=0.683). MMP-3 significantly and positively correlated with serum creatinine concentration (r=0.51, p=0.011; r=0.44, p=0.009; r=-0.66, p<0.001) and negatively with eGFR (r=-0.5, p=0.012; r=-0.35, p=0.039; r=-0.63, p<0.001) in the Short R, Long R and Control Groups. MMP-3, CXCL-13, C5a can be potential markers in differentiating an active phase of vasculitis from other pathologies. However they can be treated as complementary to the well-known markers. CXCL-13 seems to be a potential marker in distinguishing active vasculitis from long term remission. MMP-3 level can be related to kidney function expressed by eGFR, therefore its elevation should be interpreted with caution in patients with kidney failure.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the significance of MMP-3, CXCL-13, and C5a in different stages of AAV. The three markers showed potential in distinguishing active vasculitis from other pathologies, with CXCL-13 being a potential marker in distinguishing active vasculitis from long term remission. MMP-3 levels were related to kidney function expressed by eGFR and caution should be taken in interpreting its elevation in patients with kidney failure.