Home•Our Research•Publications•Plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinases in early psychosis, anxiety and depression: Evidence from the ALSPAC cohort

Plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinases in early psychosis, anxiety and depression: Evidence from the ALSPAC cohort

Thematic Area:
Diagnostics
Disease Area:
Mental HealthPsychosis
Research Focus:
BiomarkersInflammation
Collaborators:
AcademicClinical
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Background

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are pleiotropic proteins involved in inflammation and blood-brain barrier regulation. Emerging evidence suggests they may play a role in psychiatric disorders including  psychosis and depression.

Research

This study investigated the plasma levels of MMPs and TIMPs in young adults from the ALSPAC (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children) cohort, finding altered levels of MMP3 in patients with depression and of TIMP4 in patients with depression and anxiety, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for these mental health conditions.

Potential Impact

These findings enhance our understanding of the biological markers linked to mental health disorders and could lead to earlier identification and targeted interventions for anxiety and depression in young adults.

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