Differential expression of cathepsins B and L compared with matrix metalloproteinases and their respective inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis: A parallel investigation by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry

Abstract

The data indicate a more pronounced expression of MMP mRNA compared with cysteine proteinases in RA. The higher levels of cathepsin B and L proteins in RA synovial lining cells compared with OA are consistent with previous studies that assert a post-transcriptional up-regulation of these enzymes in RA.