Increased circulatory MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and activities in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology. It has been suggested that metalloproteinases (MMPs) play important roles in the development and complications of autoimmune disorders. This article presents our research on the expression or activities of MMP's in Taiwanese T1DM patients. Methods: Levels and activities of plasma MMP-2 and MMP-9 in patients with T1DM were investigated and compared to those of control individuals by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and zymography. Results: Circulatory levels and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in patients with T1DM were significantly higher than those in control subjects. Conclusions: MMP expression and activities are significantly increased in patients with T1DM. Our results not only document plasma MMPs levels and activities in the Taiwanese population (with a very low type 1 diabetic incidence), but also suggest that MMP expression and activity are elevated before the onset of complications in diabetic patients.