Background: The presence of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in synovial fluid can contribute to cartilage degradation. There are 25 zinc- and calcium-dependent MMPs within five main categories: the collagenases (MMP-1, MMP-8, MMP-13), the gelatinases (MMP-2, MMP-9), the stromelysins (MMP-3, MMP-10, MMP-11), the membrane-type MMPs (MMP-14, MMP-15, MMP-16, MMP-17, MMP-24, MMP-25) and other (including MMP-7, MMP-12, MMP-20, MMP-23).1,2 Generally, the presence of a disease state increases the likelihood of detecting MMPs. Previous studies have assessed the association between various rheumatological disease states and only selected MMPs. Our study aims to better assess the relationship between various rheumatological disease states and an array of MMPs, which could lead to the development of biomarkers for disease activity and prognosis.
Methods: A number of molecular sensors for MMPs were designed and synthesised in the School of Chemistry at the University of Sydney. All patients whom underwent a synovial fluid joint aspiration for diagnostic or management purposes with various rheumatological disease states through the Department of Rheumatology at Westmead Hospital were considered for inclusion in the study. A portion of each synovial fluid sample was stored at -800C, before being sent to the School of Chemistry at the University of Sydney for analysis of MMP levels. These results were correlated to various patient characteristics including features of their history, findings on physical examination, blood test results, synovial fluid crystal analysis results and synovial fluid culture results.
Results: To be presented.
Conclusions: To be presented.
Note: There is commercial interest in this research.