Serum and synovial matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3 in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: potentially prospective biomarkers of ultrasonographic joint damage and disease activity

Background Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-3 play important roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and have been suggested as markers of disease activity and joint damage. Objective The aim was to analyze the clinical significance of MMP-1 and MMP-3 in relation to markers of disease activity and degree of joint destruction in patients with early RA at presentation and after 6 months. Patients and methods Baseline levels of serum MMP-1 and MMP-3 were assessed in 50 patients with early RA (symptoms