Description
Matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) is a collagenase dominantly produced by neutrophils. It belongs to the family of MMPs, which regulate the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and affect different phases of the immune response. Previous studies on MMP-8 in respiratory diseases showed that increased activity of MMP-8 facilitates inflammation and lung tissue destruction. Our study aimed to assess the role of MMP-8 in acute COVID-19, accounting for its relationships with hyaluronic acid (HA) as the main product of ECM and other parameters related to the disease severity.. The cross-sectional study included 101 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized from September to December 2020. Blood-based clinical tests were performed at admission to the hospital. The levels of MMP-8 and HA were detected in serum by ELISA. The severity of COVID-19 was retrospectively assessed following the World Health Organization definition. Spearman’s correlation, network analysis, and mediation analysis were conducted. . The mean age of patients was 60.4 ± 14.3 years (50% were women). Forty patients had severe and critical disease courses. The level of MMP-8 at admission (median was 1689 pg/ml, IQR [1004; 2273]) had no difference between patients with different disease severity. Spearman’s correlations showed an association of MMP-8 with leucocytes, neutrophils, C-reactive protein, minimal blood oxygen saturation, and serum enzymes such as gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and aminotransferases (ALT and AST). The network analysis emphasized two direct relationships of MMP-8. It was positively related to the absolute count of neutrophils and GGT. The following analysis pointed to MMP-8 as a partial mediator in the relationship between neutrophils and GGT.. In the acute phase of COVID-19, MMP-8 was involved in inflammation and could mediate multiple organ damage.| Period | 29 Mar 2023 |
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| Event title | RSU Research Week 2023: Research Week 2023 Rīga Stradiņš University |
| Event type | Conference |
| Organiser | Riga Stradins University |
| Location | Riga, LatviaShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |