Changes of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 in Sputum from Moderate to Severe Acute Asthma after Corticosteroid Therapy / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Bronchial asthma is an inflammatory respiratory disease characterized by the activation of inflammatory cells and its infiltration. It has been recently reported that MMP- 9 dose an importance role in the movement of inflammatory cells through basal membrane, that the function may be suppressed by TIMP-1. We studied to know the change of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in sputum before and after corticosteroid (CS) therapy, and the relation with MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio and improvement of FEV1. METHODS: Seventeen acute moderate to severe asthmatics were selected as was a control group of 17 healthy children. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in sputum were measured on the 0 day, 7 days and 3 months later and observed as to the flow of time. FEV1 was measured before the CS therapy and 3 months later, and the change of FEV1 & FEV1 at 3 months were compared with the relation of MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio. RESULTS: Sputum MMP-9 was lowered more at 7 days and 3 months compared with 0 day (P< 0.05). Sputum TIMP-1 was significantly high on 7 days (P< 0.05) and then had a tendency to decrease until 3 months (P< 0.05). MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio decreased according to the flow of time (P< 0.05). MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio at 3 months closely correlated with the change of FEV1 (r=0.65, P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the overproduction of MMP-9 after asthma exacerbation correlates with airway inflammation and TIMP-1 production might contribute to airway fibrosis. MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio at 3 months correlates with improvement of pulmonary function after CS therapy.