Measuring blood levels of a protein called matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) may help predict which people with ankylosing spondylitis will develop severe joint damage, particularly among people with pre-existing damage visible on X-ray, according to new findings presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Washington, DC.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory form of the disease which causes a breakdown of bone and cartilage, primarily in the spine and large joints. It can lead to inflammation of the eyes, lungs and heart valves. AS typically develops in men between the ages of 20 and 40. Until now there has been no way to predict which patients will go on to develop more severe forms of the disease.
Researchers analyzed blood samples for numerous protein biomarkers that indicate cartilage breakdown and are associated with deformities in other related diseases in 100 people with AS. Of all the proteins assessed, MMP3 proved to be most strongly associated with progressive joint and bone damage at two years, particularly in those patients with pre-existing damage visible on X-rays. In fact, MMP3 levels correctly identified two-thirds of patients who progressed.
"Being able to predict disease activity and damage in AS in patients can lead to more aggressive treatment when the disease is active and (hence) more aggressive." says lead researcher Walter P. Maksymowych, MD, Professor of Medicine, university of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Reference:
"Blood test can predict severe ankylosing spondylitis." Health News 13.2 (Feb 2007): 4(1).
i read another reasearch that proves that the MMP3 Blood Test is not ascoiated with sevirity of AS
ReplyDeleteplus i don't really quite get the statment "(MMP3) may help predict which people with ankylosing spondylitis will develop severe joint damage "
This statment should be true or false or with percntage of cases,
ppl with AS don't need another useless reasrch we need hope