Effects of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors on parkinson's disease

PURPOSE: In this study on Parkinson's Disease (PD) diagnosed patients; We have aimed to show matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9) and Tissue Inhibitörs Of Matrix Metalloproteinases (TIMP-1, TIMP-2) effects on PD. So that we committed to finding new options for the treatment and pathophysiology of PD. The MMPs / TIMPs changes may be contibute to the pathogenesis of the disease, the possibility that their role in the death of dopaminergic neurons. Consequently we are aiming that they can be tried as a candidate for neuroprotective therapy to compared results with control groups. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All of the subjects (including patients and normal controls) were enrolled from the neurology department of Medical Faculty Hospital of Dicle University between january-september 2013. PD group consisted of 45 people and the control group consisted of 41 people who selected from similar age and gender group. All controls and PD patients underwent a standardized neurological examination by neurology specialists, and the clinical diagnosis of PD was established according to the UK Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank criteria. Venous blood samples that taken from the patient and control groups were centrifuged and derived serum samples. The serum MMP-2, 3, 9 and TIMP-1, 2 levels were measured by ELISA method, by using available kits according to manufacturers instructions. RESULTS: PD group was consisted of 16 (%35.6) female, 29 (%64.4) male including 45 people. Control group was consisted of 20 (%48.8) female, 21 (%51.2) male including 41 healthy volunteers. Significant decrease was found in serum MMP-3, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 level in PD patients compared to controls (p<0,05). We found higher MMP-2 and MMP-3 level in male patients when compared to female patients. This difference was statistically significant (p<0,05). No difference was found among PD patients between age of <55 and ≥55 years. Along with these results, no significant association observed between MMP and TIMP's levels and age at PD onset and duration of disease having <4 years and ≥4 years. However, overall disease duration showed poorly negative correlation with MMP levels and poorly correlation with TIMP's levels. CONCLUSIONS: Significantly lower levels of serum MMP's and TIMP's was found in PD patients as compared to controls. This difference in MMP-2 and MMP-3 levels was predominantly seen in females. Thus, it can be argued that decrease in MMP's is sex biased in PD. Consequently the present study must be seen as preliminary and further studies are necessary to establish whether MMP and TIMP expression play a role in the pathogenesis of PD. KEY WORDS: Parkinson's Disease, Matrix Metalloproteinases, Tissue Inhibitörs Of Matrix Metalloproteinases