rheumatoid arthritis (ra) is a chronic, inflammatory synovitis-based systemic disease of unknown etiology. it is characterized by multiple joints of the hand and foot joints, symmetry, invasive joint inflammation, often accompanied by extra-articular involvement and serum rheumatoid factor positive, which can lead to joint deformity and loss of function.
matrix metalloproteinase-3 (mmp-3) also known as stromelysin-1 and transin (ec 3.4.24.17) cleaves a number of substrates including cartilage proteoglycan, collagen types ii, iii, iv, v and ix, fibronectin, laminin, and can activate mmp 1. mmp-3 is secreted as 57 and 59 kda proenzymes and can be activated in vitro by organomercurials (e.g., 4 aminophenylmercuric acetate, apma) and in vivo by proteases via intermediate forms to a 45 kda active mmp 3 enzyme. further autolysis to a 28 kda form can also occur. mmp-3 is thought to play an important role in pathophysiological degradation processes associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer cell invasion.
reference:
