ABSTRACT
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Their suggested role includes the disruption of the blood-brain barrier, immune cell transmigration into the central nervous system, and myelin degradation. The present study characterized the mRNA level of a wide spectrum of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) expressed by peripheral blood leukocytes from relapsing-remitting (n = 16) and secondary-progressive (n = 12) multiple sclerosis patients. The expression of the same MMPs and TIMPs was evaluated also in a prospective 12-month follow-up of 6 patients randomly chosen from each of the 2 groups during interferon beta-1a treatment. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assessment demonstrated elevated levels of MT1-MMP and MMP-7 mRNA levels in both groups of patients, and no significant differences in MMP-9 levels, compared with healthy controls. Divergent expression of MMP-2 between relapsing-remitting and secondary-progressive patients compared with controls was observed. Interferon-beta treatment was associated with significant suppression of MMP-9 and MMP-7 mRNA in relapsing-remitting patients, though no significant changes were observed in the secondary-progressive group. These results contribute to the understanding of the IFN-beta-mediated immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects in multiple sclerosis patients and also support evidence for distinct immune mechanism(s) underlying relapsing-remitting versus secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis. The study also suggests that MMPs may be considered as potential biomarkers for response to treatment as well as targets for immunotherapy in multiple sclerosis.