Serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 levels are elevated in myasthenia gravis

J Neuroimmunol. 2008 Mar;195(1-2):96-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2007.10.018. Epub 2008 Feb 8.

Abstract

MMP-3 is capable of degrading a variety of proteins, including agrin, which plays a critical role in neuromuscular signalling by controlling acetylcholine receptor clustering. The degradation of agrin by MMP-3 may disrupt the neuromuscular junction leading to a failure of neuromuscular transmission and muscle weakness. We have therefore examined the levels of MMP-3 in 116 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and 90 healthy controls. A significant elevation in MMP-3 levels was observed in 10% of seronegative and 17% of seropositive MG patients, indicating that MMP-3 may play a pathogenic role in a proportion of MG patients.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Humans
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 / blood*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / blood*

Substances

  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 3