Dynamics of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in patients with herpesvirus and papillomavirus infection

Sexually transmitted infections are of great importance for the proper reproductive function in women. Chronic inflammatory process leads to reproductive disorders. A special role in the chronic inflammatory process is attributed to papillomavirus (PVI) and herpetic infection. MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymes cleave type 4 collagen which makes the scaffold of basement membranes and contributes to the separation of endothelial cells from the membranes, followed by their further migration and direct participation in angiogenesis thus affecting the growth of tumors, in particular cervical cancer. Tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases are known to limit the collagen breakdown. However, the imbalance of MMP and TIMP is accompanied by accumulation of extracellular matrix and increased risk for reproductive disorders. The aim of our study was to evaluate the dynamics of acute-phase proteins affecting the state of intercellular matrix (MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP tissue inhibitors (type 1, 2) in blood serum of patients with PVI or coinfection of PVI and HSV before and after therapy with drugs exhibiting antiviral and immunomodulatory effects, i.e., a synthetic compound (Inosine pranobex) and vegetable substance (Solanum tuberosum). We have examined 141 patients with papillomavirus and herpetic infections treated with Inosine pranobex and Solanum tuderosum. Determination of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1, TIMP-2 levels of in blood serum was carried out using specific reagents from R&D Diagnostics Inc. (USA). The drug therapy with active substances of Inosine pranobex and Solanum tuberosum was associated with positive dynamics of the level of MMP-2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitors of types 1 and 2 in all groups under studies. However, Inosine Pranobex exerts more pronounced changes, especially in subgroups with viral coinfections.