Background: The mechanisms which cause age-dependent remodeling of connective tissue are still not fully understood. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) constitute an important proteolytic pathway affecting physiological matrix remodeling. Objective: The way in which changes in the extracellular matrix metabolism during the ageing process influence the level of circulating MMP-3 and MMP-10, as well as their tissue inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, in a healthy population was investigated in this study. Methods: Blood samples were taken from 81 healthy individuals aged 6–62 years and measured for MMP-3, MMP-10, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by Western immunoblotting allowed for the detection of pro- and active forms of both MMPs. Results: Serum MMP-3 and TIMP-1 values were positively correlated with age (r = 0.44, p = 0.00001 and r = 0.28, p = 0.012, respectively). A contrary tendency was found for MMP-10 and TIMP-2 serum levels. A strong age-related decrease in MMP-10 (–0.53; p = 0.000) and TIMP-2 (–0.52; p = 0.000) was noticed in our study. Gender was a significant factor modifying MMP/TIMP potential, except for the MMP-10 level. Conclusions: The data presented indicate that changes in MMP/TIMP balance occur in physiological ageing. Moreover, these findings highlight the necessity of utilizing age- and sex-matched values for analysis of MMPs and TIMPs in the pathological conditions.

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Adipose tissue may play a complex role in the development of dcSSc, affecting both the metabolic state of the organism, as well as free radical-induced connective tissue degradation. Although, leptin seems to exert a pro-oxidative effect and both adiponectin and IGF-1 appear to prevent free radical damage, confirmation of the above effects requires further research.

Plasma KS level in JIA patients, reflecting the aggrecan structure, indicates that treatment that modifies inflammation simultaneously does not contribute to total regeneration of articular matrix components and signalizes the need for further treatment.

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