SERUM MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE-9 AND TISSUE INHIBITOR OF METAllOPROTEINASE-1IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LiVER DISEASES

Chronic liver diseases may lead to progressive accumulation of intrahepatic fibrous tissue with ultimate cirrhosis and all its sequele. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-s) are family of enzymes that have the ability to degrade extracellular matrix components. The activity of (MMP-s) are regulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-
s).



MMP-s and their inhibitors have been discussed as potential non invasive serum markers of fibroproliferation process in patients with chronic hepatitis.


The present study included 45 patients selected from Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Infectious Department at Benha University Hospital. Another group of 10 individuals selected as a
control group.



All ca es included in this study were subjected to full medical history, clinical examination, laboratory investigations including: (complete blood picture, liver function tests, antischistosomal antibody and detection of hepatitis markers including l-IBsAg and HCV-Ab), ultrasonography and liver biopsy, in addition to estimation of serum matrix metalloproteinase -9 (MMP-9) and serum tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) to patients and controls.