NEWS:Metalloproteinase Inhibition Spares Cartilage in RA

[Guest guest]

Metalloproteinase Inhibition Spares Cartilage in RA

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Aug 09 - Retroviral gene transfer of an

antisense construct against membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase

(MT1-MMP) reduces joint destruction in an animal model of rheumatoid

arthritis, according to European and Japanese researchers.

" Our proof-of-concept study shows that the transfer of tailor-made gene

constructs into arthritic cells can achieve long-term inhibition of

cartilage destruction, " senior investigator Dr. Pap of the

University of Munster, Germany told Reuters Health.

Dr. Pap and colleagues found that in RA synovial fibroblasts,

introduction of the MT1-MMP antisense construct led to downregulation

of MT1-MMP at the protein level. The findings are published in the July

issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism.

Implantation of RA synovial fibroblasts and normal human articular

cartilage into immunodeficient mice led to inhibition of MT1-MMP and

significant reduction of cartilage degradation for at least 60 days.

Animals not given the active construct showed deep cartilage invasion.

" Although substantial work will be required before any clinical

application, " Dr. Pap said, " our data help to identify the contribution

of individual matrix degrading enzyme to joint destruction and at the

same time open a path to novel therapeutic strategies for RA. "

Arthritis Rheum 2005;52:2010-2014.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/510357