Evaluation of inflammatory markers MMP-2 and TIMP-1 in Asthma

Introduction: Matrixmetalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) and Tissue inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1) are associated with airway inflammation and airway remodelling in asthma. Studying their role may open avenues for newer therapeutic options. Objective: To evaluate whether MMP-2, TIMP-1 levels and MMP-2/TIMP-1 ratio can be a biomarker for asthma severity (GINA). Methodology: The levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were compared between moderate persistent asthma (n=25), severe persistent asthma (n=25) and normal controls (n=25). MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were measured by ELISA and compared to asthma and its severity, other clinical variables and lung functions. Statistics: Pearson correlation, Kruskall Wallis test, Mann Whitney test, ANOVA. Results: Mean age of cases (41.4 years) and controls (43.8 years). Among cases 29/50 were males; 18/30 controls were males. Mean FEV1% in moderate persistent asthmatics was 74.88 (SD 12.18) and severe persistent asthma was 53.04 (SD 12.16). We observed a significant difference in TIMP-1 levels among asthmatics versus controls (p=0.001). A significant negative correlation was observed between TIMP-1 and pre bronchodilator FEV1 % and FVC %, but not with MMP-2. We observed significant difference in MMP-2 among controls versus severe asthma. There was no association between MMP-2 and TIMP-1 with asthma duration. We observed significant difference in MMP-2 /TIMP-1 ratio among asthmatics versus controls (p=0.0001). Conclusion: MMP-2 could be a biomarker for severe asthma and needs further studies. Elevated TIMP-1 could be a biomarker for asthma. Further studies are needed to assess whether TIMP-1 levels are also elevated in mild asthma