Serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 levels are elevated in myasthenia gravis

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 tran...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of neuroimmunology 2008-03, Vol.195 (1), p.96-99
Main Authors: Romi, Fredrik R, Gilhus, Nils Erik, Luckman, Steven P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agrin
Allergy and Immunology
Chi-Square Distribution
Humans
Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 - blood
MMP-3
Myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia Gravis - blood
Neurology
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0165-5728
1872-8421
DOI:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2007.10.018