J Neuroimmunol. 2004 Jan; 146(1-2): 171-5
Mirowska D, Wicha W, Czlonkowski A, Czlonkowska A, Weber F.
Section of Neurology, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstrasse
2-10, D-80804, Munich, Germany
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
As methylprednisolone is the treatment of choice for a relapse, we investigated the effect of methylprednisolone on blood levels of MMPs.
Baseline TIMP-1 and MMP-2 levels were lower in MS patients than in healthy controls.
MMP-9 levels tended to be elevated.
During therapy, MMP-9 levels demonstrate a dose-dependent increase.
No effect was noted on TIMP-1 and MMP-2 levels.
The short-lived increase of MMP-9 plasma levels may be at least in part due to an activation and an increase of granulocytes and monocytes by methylprednisolone.