Expression of membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases in synovial tissue from patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis

Abstract

We investigated the expression of membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase (MT-MMP) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) mRNAs in synovial tissue from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA, n = 5) or osteoarthritis (OA, n = 5) by Northern blot analysis. Northern analysis demonstrated strong expression of MT1-MMP, MT3-MMP, MMP-1, and MMP-3 and weak expression of MT2-MMP and MMP-8 in synovial tissue from patients with RA or OA. MT4-MMP was not detected. No significant difference was shown in the expression of MT-MMP mRNAs between RA and OA. Synovial tissue of RA or OA patients expressed MT-MMPs as well as MMPs. These results indicate that, in addition to MMPs, MT1-MMP, MT3-MMP, and probably MT2-MMP may play a role in the degradation of bone and cartilage matrix in RA and OA. Such information may provide a clue to the development of a novel therapeutic approach targeted on the prevention of joint destruction.