Abstract
Metalloproteinases represent a group of proteolytic enzymes responsible for cleaving of the extracellular matrix. Its activity is controlled by specific tissue inhibitors. MMPs can be altered in inflammatory and malignant processes.
Objective: To evaluate the expression of MMPs and TIMPs and their correlation with inflammatory and fibrosis markers in pleural effusion of different etiologies.
Methods: Eighty-two patients with pleural effusion were included: 30 tuberculosis (Tb), 25 malignant (Ca) and 25 transudates (Trans). Pleural fluid levels of MMPs (1, 2, 8 and 9), TIMPs (1 and 2), VEGF, IL-6 and TGF-β1 were quantified by ELISA. Statistical analysis: One Way Anova and Spearman's correlation.
Results: Except MMP-1 and TIMP-2, all parameters were higher in exsudates than transudates. MMP-8, MMP-9 and IL-6 levels were higher in Tb than Ca or Trans. The better correlation between MMPs and cytokines were observed in Tb group (MMP-9 x TGF-β1 and MMP-9 x VEGF).
Conclusions: Most of the MMPs and TIMP-1 seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of tuberculous and malignant pleural effusion. The correlation between MMP-9 and TGF β1 could be related to the pleural thickness observed in some cases of tuberculosis.
- © 2011 ERS