A study on expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in patients with ulcerative colitis

Purpose: To investigate the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in ulcerative colitis patientsMethods: In this investigation, the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) were evaluated in 50 patients with ulcerative colitis, which comprised of 36 males and 14 females. The tissue samples were obtained from the core needle of sample and evaluated using immunochemistry techniques.Results: The prevailing MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expressions in the glandular epithelium and inflammatory cells were observed. In addition, the expressions were coupled with architectural changes in the tissues and inflammation in the lamina propria. It was also observed that the expression of MMPs and inhibitors with weak activation established the progress of ulcerative colitis. Statistical correlation between the MMP expressions and histopathological parameters was also very significant. MMP expression correlated with weaker expression of TIMPs.Conclusion: MMPs, especially MMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9, may provide a potential target for controlling ulcerative colitis.Keywords: Ulcerative colitis, Matrix metalloproteinases, Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, Lamina propria, Inflammatio