Serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 in patients with psoriasis with and without arthritis

Background Psoriasis is a common, multifactorial, chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the skin and is increasingly recognized to be a systemic inflammatory disease. The quality of life is significantly affected by the highly heritable polygenic condition known as psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The care of PsA and early identification and detection of the condition will enhance quality of life and reduce complications. Detection of serum biomarker for PsA may help in early diagnosis. Objective To compare the serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in patients with psoriasis with and without PsA and its correlation with disease severity. Patients and methods This case–control study was conducted on 40 patients with psoriasis and 20 age-matched and sex-matched controls. Patients were divided according to CASPAR criteria into two groups: psoriasis group (A) and PsA group (B). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the serum level of MMP-3. Results There was no statistically significant difference of MMP-3 level between psoriatic without PsA and control groups. There was a statistically significant higher level of MMP-3 in the PsA group compared with both psoriatic and control groups (mean=33.20±26.86, 16.24±14.80, and 16.47±8.43 pg/ml, respectively), and it was not correlated with disease severity in patients with psoriasis. Conclusion Serum levels of MMP-3 were significantly higher in psoriatic patients with arthritis compared with both psoriatic and control groups. Therefore, it may have a role in the development of PsA and may be used as a marker for diagnosis; however, it is not correlated with disease severity.