Diagnostic value of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and high mobility group box 1 in patients with refractory epilepsy

Abstract

Abstract Introduction There are large numbers of inflammatory molecules and humoral mediators that can be involved in the epileptogenesis such as cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), and high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1). We aimed to evaluate serum levels and the diagnostic value of MMP-2 and HMGB1 in Iraqi patients with epilepsy. Methods One hundred epileptic patients comprised 60 controlled epileptics and 40 refractory patients to treatment with multi antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Other 50 family-unrelated age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were selected to represent the control group. Serum levels of MMP-2 and HMGB1 were estimated using ELISA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of these markers when required. Results MMP-2 level was significantly higher in controls than epileptic patients in general (controlled and refractory patients). ROC curve, showed poor diagnostic value of MMP-2 in discriminating epileptics into responsive or refractory to treatment from controls (AUC = 0.679 (95% CI = 0.536-0.823), and AUC = 0.77 (95% CI = 0.637-902), respectively). Serum HMGB1 level in epileptic patients and controls was in close approximation to each other. Conclusions MMP-2 is significantly decreased in patients particularly those with refractory epilepsy (RE); however, it has poor diagnostic value. No difference in the serum HMGB1 level between epileptic patients and controls.