Serum metalloproteinase 9 levels increase after generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is a member of a family of enzymes that mediate the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, and is especially involved in blood-brain barrier maintenance. Increased levels of MMP9 have been observed in many neurological disorders, including epilepsy, suggesting it may be involved in the pathogenesis of seizures. We investigated changes in MMP9 serum levels after acute seizures in epilepsy patients. Concentrations of MMP9 in serum were measured by ELISA in 43 patients 1-3, 24, and 72h after generalized tonic-clonic seizure and once in participants of the control group. MMP9 levels were significantly increased 1-3 and 24h after seizure and decreased to control levels 72h after seizure. Our results suggest that MMP9 is released after or just before seizure; however, further studies are needed to resolve the consequences of the observed MMP9 increase.