ABSTRACT
Overexpression of mucosal metalloproteinases [MMP] have been demonstrated recently in inflammatory bowel disease. Their activity can be counterbalanced by the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases [TIMP]. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ulcerative colitis [UC] on MMP-1 and TIMP-1 plasma concentrations, as two possible biomarkers of the disease activity. MMP-1 and TIMP-1 plasma concentrations were measured with an enzyme immunoassay in 16 patients uuth endoscopically confirmed active UC and 12 healthy controls. Plasma concentrations of both MMP-1 [13.7 +/- 0.2 ng/ml] and TIMP-1 [799 +/- 140 ng/ml] were significantly elevated in UC patients In comparison to healthy controls [11.9 +/- 0.9 ng/ml. and 220 +/- 7 ng/ml respectively]. There was no correlation between TIMP-1 and MMP-1 concentrations [r=-0.02]. TIMP-1 levels revealed significant positive correlations with scored endoscopic degree of mucosal injury, disease activity index and clinical activity index values as well as C-reactive protein concentration. There was no correlation between MMP-1 and laboratory, clinical or endoscopic indices of the disease activity. These results confirm the role of both MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. However only TIMP-1 can be useful as a biomarker of the disease activity, demonstrating association, with clinical endoscopic pictures