Can the matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 predict the course of acute pancreatitis in previously healthy patients

BACKGROUND: It was confirmed that during the inflammatory process development, granulocytes are among the main groups of cells responsible for the course of acute pancreatitis. One of these substances produced by them are extracellular matrix enzymesmetalloproteinases. In the presented study, we undertook an attempt to investigate whether they may be used as an instrument to predict the course of acute pancreatitis in previously healthy patients. METHODS: The study included 72 patients with the first-time episode of acute pancreatitis. The 2012 Atlanta classification was used in order to divide them into 3 groups. The patients were assessed according to the most popular multifactor scoring systems and single laboratory markers. The levels of metalloproteinases 2 and 9 were determined by the ELISA method. The diagnostic value of the commonly applied scoring systems and single diagnostic markers was compared with the value of matrix metalloproteinases levels. RESULTS: A mild form of AP developed in 42 patients, a moderate form in 16, and severe in 14. All multifactor prognostic systems have high specificity and rather low sensitivity. Single laboratory markers have higher sensitivity but lower specificity than multifactor tools. The determination of the level of MMP-2 shows specificity of 98.3%, while MMP-9-100%. CONCLUSION: The determination of a single laboratory marker, which is the level of metalloproteinase-2 or metalloproteinase-9, is characterized by sensitivity and specificity comparable to that of multifactor prognostic scoring systems.