OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical significance of serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and monocyte CD147 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients of damp-heat Bi-syndrome (DHBS) and of cold-damp Bi-syndrome (CDBS).

METHODSThe clinical data of 22 patients from inpatients and outpatients with RA were collected, and their peripheral blood was withdrawal. The disease activity scores [DAS28(4)] were assessed. The serum levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 were detected by double antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and the expression percentage of CD147 on CD14+ monocytes were detected by flow cytometry. The difference of each index between RA patients of DHBS and RA patients of CDBS was analyzed.

RESULTSThe level of serum MMP-3 and the MFI of CD147 on the monocyte surface were obviously higher in RA patients of DHBS than in those of CDBS and the normal control group (P < 0.05). The concentration of serum TIMP-1 was obviously higher in RA patients of DHBS than in those of the normal control group (P < 0.05), while there was no statistical difference between the two syndrome types. The percentage of CD147 expression was obviously lower in DHBS than in those of CDBS and the normal control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSIncreased serum MMP-3 level of RA patients of DHBS might result in destroy of joint cartilages and sclerotin. The significant increase of MFI and decreased expression percentage of monocyte CD147 might be the results of increased disease activity of RA and monocyte migration to the synovial membrane tissue.