EMMPRIN levels in serum of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Objectives - There are evidence that extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may be implicated in the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) is said to increase the production of MMPs in cells. The aim of the study was to investigate serum EMMPRIN levels in patients with ALS. Materials and methods - The study included 50 patients with ALS and 50 patients from the control group. Serum EMMPRIN levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent method. Results - The study showed that EMMPRIN levels are significantly increased in the serum of the whole group of patients with ALS when compared to the control group and are significantly increased in patients with ALS with severe clinical state compared to patients with mild clinical state (P < 0.05). There was a significant correlation of serum EMMPRIN levels with severity of clinical state of patients with ALS (P < 0.05). Conclusion - The results indicate that EMMPRIN is implicated in pathophysiology of ALS and may be the marker of clinical state severity.