Significance of Serum Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors on the Antifibrogenetic Effect of Interferon-Alfa in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

Objective and Methods: The imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) is considered to be an important determination of deposition and breakdown of the extracellular matrix. To investigate the antifibrogenetic effect of interferon-α (IFN-α) treatment on factors regulating hepatic fibrosis, serum MMP-1, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels were measured by the one-step sandwich enzyme immunoassay in 27 patients with chronic hepatitis C and compared with the histological status of the patients before and at the end of treatment. Results: After 6 months of IFN-α treatment, the histological status of liver fibrosis showed improvement in 9 patients (IF group) and no change or a worsening in 18 patients (NIF group). Compared with pretreatment levels, in the IF group, IFN treatment caused a significant increase in the MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio. In the NIF group, however, the MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio tended towards a decrease; moreover, there was not only a significant increase in TIMP-2 levels but also a tendency towards an increase in TIMP-1 levels. Conclusion: These results suggested that an elevated MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio may ameliorate liver fibrosis by interferon in cases of chronic hepatitis C, whereas elevated levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 might impede improvement.