Title:Matrix Metalloproteinases; A Biomarker of Disease Activity and Prognosis
in Spondyloarthritis: A Narrative Review
Volume: 18
Issue: 1
Author(s): Maroua Slouma, Sirine Bouzid, Rim Dhahri, Safa Rahmouni*, Noureddine Litaiem, Imen Gharsallah, Leila Metoui and Bassem Louzir
Affiliation:
- Department of Rheumatology, Tunis El Manar University,
Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Rheumatology, Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
Keywords:
Spondyloarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, biomarkers, matrix metalloproteinases, TNF alpha inhibitors.
Abstract:
Background: Matrix metalloproteinases, as components of the proteolytic system, are
deemed to be implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of several rheumatic diseases. Their role
in spondyloarthritis has been investigated by several studies.
Objective: This article aims to review and summarize the current knowledge related to metalloproteinases
in patients with spondyloarthritis.
Methods: To examine the association between matrix metalloproteinases and spondyloarthritis, we
conducted a narrative review using a literature search in SCOPUS for English-language sources. The
search included studies published from the database inception to December 2020.
Results: A total number of 74 articles were included. It was found that levels of matrix metalloproteinases
3 were higher in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis patients and seemed to play a role in the
progression of joint damage. The levels of matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2, and 9 were upregulated in
psoriatic arthritis patients compared to psoriasis and could identify psoriasis patients who would develop
rheumatic manifestations. The levels of matrix metalloproteinases correlated significantly with
disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis and decreased upon treatment with Tumor Necrosis Factor
inhibitors (TNFi).
Conclusion: Excessive matrix metalloproteinases activity is associated with articular destruction.
Their levels can reflect disease activity, structural damage, and response to TNFi in patients with
spondyloarthritis. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to confirm these results.