Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 [MMP-2] in children and adolescents with type I diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT

Type I diabetes mellitus [T1DM] is an autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology. It has been suggested that matrix metalloproteinases [MMPs] play important roles in the development and complications of autoimmune disorders. Results published on the use of MMPs as markers in relation to diabetic complications are somewhat conflicting. The aim of this study was to estimate serum levels of MMP-2 in children and adolescents with T1DM, compared with levels in age-matched controls, and to correlate the levels of MMP-2 with duration of the disease, and with parameters of both glycemic control and renal function. We measured serum levels of MMP-2 in 60 patients with T1DM, aged 2-18 years, with or without microangiopathic complications and in 20 sex-and age-matched controls using enzyme immunoassay. Serum levels of MMP-2 were significantly higher in the studied patients than in the controls [p=0.000]. Serum levels of MMP-2 in diabetic patients with microangiopathic complications were significantly higher than serum levels of MMP-2 in diabetic patients without microangiopathic complications [p=0.002]. Positive significant correlation between serum level of MMP-2 and disease duration [r=0.715; p=0.000] was noted. On the other hand, no significant correlation was found between serum level of MMP-2 and any of the following parameters Fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, blood urea, and serum creatinine [all p>0.05]. In conclusion, Serum MMP-2 levels are elevated in T1DM. Because higher MMP-2 levels were associated with the presence of diabetic complications, we raise the possibility that upregulation of MMP-2 levels might play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Measurement of serum MMP-2 is a potentially useful marker in studies of diabetic patients at risk of progression to diabetic complications