Transcript levels of major MMPs and ADAMTS-4 in relation to the clinicopathological profile of patients with tuberculous intervertebral discs and healthy controls

ObjectivesThe purpose of the present study was to simultaneously examine the transcript levels of a large number of MMPs (-3, -8, -9, -13 and -14) and ADAMTS-4 and to investigate their correlation with the clinicopathological profile of patients suffering from tuberculous intervertebral discs.Design and methodsClinical data were collected from 130 patients participating in the study from March 2011 to April 2012. mRNA expression levels were determined by means of the real-time polymerase chain reaction in 60 tuberculous (TB), 60 herniated, and 10 control intervertebral disc (ID) specimens.ResultsMMP-8, -9, -13, and -14 that showed a stronger expression in spinal TB disc tissue compared to normal ID tissue (P < 0.05). Our results showed multiple positive correlations among MMP-8, -9, and -13 mRNA in TB samples. Smoking habits were found to significantly up-regulate the transcript levels of MMP-3 and -13 (P < 0.05). Pain intensity, duration of symptoms, CRP, and ESR significantly affected the transcript levels of several MMPs (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe MMPs may drive extracellular matrix destruction in spinal tuberculosis intervertebral discs. The experimental data imply a synergistic effect on the activity of these MMPs in spinal tuberculosis intervertebral discs. Furthermore, the experimental data suggest that smoking plays an unfavourable role in the prognosis of spinal tuberculosis intervertebral discs. Moreover, pain intensity, duration of symptoms, CRP, and ESR may affect the process of extracellular matrix destruction by increasing the expression of MMPs in spinal tuberculosis intervertebral disc samples.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We examine the transcript levels of MMPs (-3, -8, -9, -13 and -14) and ADAMTS-4. ► MMP-8, -9, -13, and -14 that showed a stronger expression in spinal TB disc ► Our results showed multiple positive correlations among MMPs mRNA in TB samples. ► Smoking was found to significantly up-regulate the transcript levels of MMP-3 and -13. ► Many clinical factors significantly affected the transcript levels of MMPs.