MMP-3 And MMP-9 Concentrations In Alzheimer’s Disease: A Cerebrospinal Fluid And Serum Analysis

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) constitute a group of proteins known for their pivotal role in the central nervous system, influencing process from growth and development to brain injury and repair. The specific MMPs targeting the amyloid precursor protein (APP) play a crucial role in influencing the aggregation of amyloid beta (Aβ), contributing to the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). While altered MMP expression has been implicated in the progression of AD, a definitive expression pattern remains elusive. Consequently, this study aims to establish the precise expression pattern of MMP-3 and MMP-9 in patients with AD. For this purpose, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and sera were collected from 31 patients with AD and 25 healthy normal controls. ELISA was employed to determine MMP-3 and MMP-9 quantities in both CSF and serum samples, followed by a comparative analysis to ascertain their expression patterns. Significantly different MMP-3 and MMP-9 levels were observed between patients with AD and healthy controls. Interestingly, a positive correlation emerged between the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score and concentrations of MMP-3 and MMP-9 in both CSF and serum, with MMP-9 demonstrating higher expression levels than MMP-3 in both compartments. These findings shed light on the distinct expression patterns of MMP-3 and MMP-9 in patients with AD and prompt further investigations into the potential utilization of these dynamic molecules as promising biomarkers for AD therapy.