Macrophage-specific metalloelastase (MMP-12) immunoexpression in the osteochondral unit in osteoarthritis correlates with BMI and disease severity.

Background: Metalloproteinase 12 (MMP-12) is induced in chondrocytes during fetal development and malignant transformation.

Objectives: The aim of our study is to examine the expression of MMP-12 in the cartilage and the subchondral bone of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and to correlate its expression with disease severity and anthropometric characteristics.

Methods: Overall, 60 sections from 20 patients with idiopathic OA, were examined for the immunolocalization of MMP-12.