Serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels are related to MRI activity in relapsing multiple sclerosis

Abstract

An increase in the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) relative to tissue inhibitor of MMP-type 1 (TIMP-1) may be related to formation of new MS lesions, suggesting that serum levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 may be surrogate markers of disease activity in relapsing-remitting MS.