Investigation of the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 with SARS CoV-2 infections

SARS-CoV-2 stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Matrix metalloproteinases- 9 (MMP-9) performs a crucial physiological role. In addition to its role in the molecular basis of lung fibrosis, this enzyme may also play a part in the “cytokine storm,” which may represent one of the potential scenarios during coronavirus infection. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs) are well-known for their ability to regulate MMP activity during remodeling of the extracellular matrix. As cytokines, they are also thought of as signaling molecules that impact on a wide range of biological processes. This study aimed to investigate the link between each of MMP-9 and TIMP-1, and COVID19 disease. A total of 58 COVID-19 patients and 30 apparently healthy adults enrolled in this study. The ORF1ab, E and N genes of SARS-CoV-2 were detected using multiplex real-time PCR, while the ELISA technique was used to estimate the level of serum MMP-9, TIMP-1, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The study results demonstrated higher concentrations of MMP-9 in COVID-19 patients (2810 ± 1160 pg/ml) compared to controls (2110 ± 850 pg/ml), with non-significant differences (p=0.002). Unlike, TIMP-1, showed considerably higher levels in the patient's group (541.53 ± 201.42 pg/ml) than in controls (276.33 ± 67.26 pg/ml) with high significant differences (p ≤ 0.001). Considering this study, TIMP-1 in COVID patients most likely play an important role in inflammatory response. Its clinical utility as a biomarker may be insufficient, but it provides a useful data in the diagnosis of COVID‐19.