The relationship between MMP-9 serum level and disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum level of MMP-9(matrix metalloproteinase-9) and the disease activity of systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE).Methods Serum level of MMP-9 of 30 controls and 36 SLE patients were measured by Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay.Results Significantly decreased serum level of MMP-9 was found in SLE patients as compared to that in healthy controls(108?113) ng/ml vs (352?155) ng/ml (P0.05).Conclusion The present data suggests that MMP-9 may be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE,and serum MMP-9 level may be a marker of disease activity,renal damage,disease progression and amelioration in SLE.