Matrix metalloproteinases in children with uncomplicated compression fractures of the spine

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine changes in the content of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their tissue inhibitor in children with uncomplicated compression fractures of the spine (UCFS). Materials and methods. Eighty-five children, including 69 patients with UCFS (average age 12.3 ± 2.6 years), were comprehensively examined. The reference group consisted of 16 children (average age 11.8 ± 2.7 years) without spinal pathology. During the diagnostic period for 1-3 days, changes in the MMP content and their tissue inhibitor (TIMP-1) in blood serum were determined by the enzyme immunoassay method in all children after trauma. Results. It was found that in the acute period after spinal injury, the blood levels of gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), stromelysin (MMP-3), and collagenases (MMP-8) significantly increased compared to their levels in children of the reference group. At the same time, the levels of TIMP-1 and the ratio of MMP/TIMP-1 concentrations in the blood of patients with UCFS significantly decreased compared to the control, which indicates the predominance of the proteolytic effect of MMP. Analysis of changes in the content of MMP in the blood in UCFS boys and girls did not reveal significant differences in the levels of the studied MMP and TIMP-1, except for a significant increase in the concentrations of stromelysin (MMP-3) in the blood serum of boys compared with its level in girls and the control. With different severity of the course of UCFS in children, a significant increase in MMP concentrations associated with an increase in the severity of the injury was revealed, and a substantial decrease in the content of TIMP-1 in the blood of patients compared to its levels in children with 1-2 degrees of severity and control. Conclusion. The established patterns indicate that the determination of the content of MMR and TIMP-1 in the blood in UCFS children allows monitoring the course of the reparative process after injury to the vertebral bodies in children.