Matrix metalloproteinases-3,-8,-9 as markers of disease activity and joint damage progression in early rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: To analyse the relation between systemic levels of pro-MMP-3, -8, and -9 matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in alpha(2) macroglobulin (alpha(2)M)/MMP complexes and the progression of joint destruction in patients with recent onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: 109 patients with RA of recent onset were entered Into this longitudinal study. Patients were followed up for two years; clinical data, blood samples, and radiographs were obtained at baseline and at 1 and 2 years. Serum levels of MMPs were measured by sandwich ELISA and MMP activity assays. Results: During the two years joint damage progressed from 0 to 10 (median Sharp score, p < 0.001). Stable levels of pro-MMP-3 and a significant decrease in the levels of pro-MMP-8 and -9 and alpha M-2/MMP complexes were seen throughout the two years. Regression analysis showed that serum pro-MMP-3 levels at disease onset were independently associated with the progression of joint damage (B = 0.7, 95% CI 0.3 to 1.1, p = 0.001). Based on the rate of joint destruction, patients were divided into two subgroups: patients with mild and severe joint damage progression. The pro-MMP-3 levels were significantly higher in the group with severe compared with mild disease at all times. Levels of pro-MMP-8 and -9 were decreased in both groups, whereas alpha M-2/MMP complex levels decreased in the group with mild disease only. Conclusion: Serum levels of the MMPs studied are associated with disease activity, but serum pro-MMP-3 levels at the onset of disease are also predictive of joint damage progression.