MMPs activities and cytokine expression during nimesulide therapy in a patient affected by osteoarthritis

Background: We present the case of a man affected by generalized osteoarthritis (OA). Case Report: After 2-month therapy with nimesulide a significative reduction of the activity in synovial fluid (SF) was observed for matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-3), and an increase of immunoregulatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). Our results emphasize the role of MMPs in the pathogenesis of OA. Conclusion: We describe the first examination and correlation of the effects of an NSAID, nimesulide on SF MMPs and cytokines in OA. Further studies on effects of this, and other NSAIDs, on a broader variety of SF and synovial cytokines may help to predict long-term effects of NSAIDs on progression of OA.