MMP-9 and MMP-2 gene expression levels in bipolar disorder: Evaluating relationships with clinical features and childhood traumatic experiences

ECM is a complex network that forms the extracellular environment in all tissues and organs. Serving as a structural component of the brain, the ECM plays an important role in the regulation of neuroplasticity and neuroinflammation, two processes important for neuronal function and brain response to environmental stimuli. An important aspect of ECM regulation is MMPs, a family of enzymes responsible for ECM degradation and remodeling. Among MMPs, MMP-9 and MMP-2 play an important role in the brain. MMP-9 is involved in the modulation of synaptic plasticity by degrading ECM proteins and structural reorganization of synapses. MMP-2 regulates cell migration and axon growth during the development of the nervous system. ECM, MMPs and their roles in neuroplasticity and neuroinflammation have also been associated with bipolar disorder. BD is a serious mental illness characterized by episodic mood swings. Studies have shown that alterations in ECM composition and MMP activity can occur in patients with BD and may be related to the pathophysiology of the disorder. This study addresses fundamental questions at the interface between molecular biology and psychiatry. The aim of the study was to compare MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression levels in individuals diagnosed with BD and healthy controls and to investigate the relationship between these gene expressions and clinical features and childhood traumatic experiences. The study showed that no significant difference in gene expression levels between individuals with BD and healthy controls. There was also no significant relationship between clinical characteristics and childhood traumatic experiences and gene expression levels.