The behavior of serum MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, TIMP-1 AND TIMP-2 concentrations in inflammatory bowel diseases

Background: It has been suggested that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may play a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, the behavior of serum MMPs and their inhibitors (TIMPs) have scarcely been investigated in the same experimental setting in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Methods: The MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 serum antigen levels were determined in 23 patients with UC, 25 patients with CD and 12 control patients by ELISA technique. The analyzed parameters were also investigated in correlation with disease activity. Statistical analysis with Kr…