Background
Matrix metalloprotein ase-3 (MMP-3) is one of the MMPs produced in rheumatoid
arthritis (RA) joints.
Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate serum and synovial fluid (SF) MMP-3 as
markers of disease activity in early RA.
Patients and methods
Thirty early RA patients together with age-matched and sex-matched 12 primary
knee osteoarthritis patients and 12 apparently healthy individuals as control groups
were enrolled in this study. MMP-3 was measured in serum and SF samples using
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Assessment of disease activity in RA
patients was carried out using disease activity score-28 (DAS-28), and
radiographs of the hands, wrists, and forefeet were obtained and evaluated
according to Larsen score.
Results
As regards mean serum levels of MMP-3, there was a statistically significant
elevation in RA patients compared with the control groups (P