Elevated serum MMP3 levels as a potential biomarker of disease activity in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigated the relationship between serum Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) levels in Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients and disease activity, clinical parameters, and different clinical manifestations of pSS.

METHODS

Serum samples were obtained from 77 pSS patients and 77 healthy controls (HC). MMP3 levels were detected using a biochemical analyzer. Disease activity was assessed using the Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (SSDAI) and the EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI). Pearson correlation analysis was employed to evaluate the relationship between MMP3 levels and clinical parameters.

RESULTS

Serum MMP3 levels in pSS patients were significantly elevated compared to HC (P < 0.0001). Serum MMP3 levels were significantly positively correlated with WBC counts (r = 0.564, P < 0.0001), neutrophil counts (r = 0.5225, P < 0.0001), and serum LDH levels (r = 0.459, P < 0.0001). Moreover, MMP3 levels were significantly positively correlated with both SSDAI scores (r = 0.407, P = 0.002) and ESSDAI scores (r = 0.3061, P = 0.0068).

CONCLUSION

Serum MMP3 levels are significantly elevated in pSS patients and show significant positive correlations with both SSDAI and ESSDAI scores, as well as key inflammatory parameters (WBC, neutrophil counts, LDH). In conclusion, these consistent associations suggest the potential of serum MMP3 as a biomarker for tracking disease activity in pSS. Key Points • Serum MMP3 levels were significantly elevated in pSS patients. • Serum MMP3 levels showed strong associations with disease activity, WBC counts and neutrophil counts. • MMP3 may serve as a biomarker for tracking pSS activity.