Immunohistochemical Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1,2,3 and Their Tissue Inhibitors in Osteoarthritis:Its Relationship with Cartilage Degeneration

Purpose To investigate the relationship between immunohistochemical expression of matrix metal-loproteinase(MMPs)?1,2,3/their tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMPs)?1,2 and the degeneration of cartilage in osteoarthritis. Methods The histological changes of degenerated cartilages by haematoxyllin-eosin staining and the immunohistochemical expressions of MMPs-1,2,3 and TIMPs-1,2 were studied in 22 osteoarthritis cases.The image analysis revealed the relationship between the expressions of MMP?1,2,3,TIMP?1,2 and the degeneration of cartilage. Results The osteoarthritis cartilage underwent fibroplasia,tearing and thinning.The quantity of chondrocyte decreased.The expressions of MMP?1,3 and TIMP?1 were not observed in normal cartilage,while increased significantly in moderate osteoarthritis and decreased in end-stage osteoarthritis.The expression of TIMP?1 was not paralleled with that of MMP?1,3.Little immunostaining of MMP?2 and TIMP?2 was seen in normal cartilage,while their expressions increased in moderate osteoarthritis and decreased in end-stage osteoarthritis.In end-stage osteoarthritis,the expressios of TIMP?2 was stronger than that of MMP?2. Conclusions The abnormal expressions of MMP?1,2,3 and TIMP?1,2,which resulted in degradation disorder of extracellular mat-rix,could induce degeneration of cartilage.