Cerebrospinal fluid matrix-remodeling biomarkers in neonates with myelomeningocele: MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TGF-β1 expression


Alataş I., Ay L. A., Erdinç H. K., Kara N., Çelik C., Çetin E., ...Daha Fazla

Child's Nervous System, cilt.42, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 42 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00381-026-07151-w
  • Dergi Adı: Child's Nervous System
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Myelomeningocele, Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, MMP-9, TIMP-1, ECM remodeling
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Purpose: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, regulate extracellular matrix remodeling and neural tissue homeostasis. Transforming growth factor β1 modulates inflammation, ECM deposition, and tissue repair. Dysregulation of these pathways may contribute to congenital spinal dysraphism. This study quantified cerebrospinal fluid MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TGF-β1 in neonates with myelomeningocele and evaluated their potential as pathogenic mediators or biomarkers. Methods: Preoperative CSF samples were collected from 48 neonates with isolated myelomeningocele (Group 1) and 24 age-matched controls with sterile CSF (Group 2). MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TGF-β1 concentrations were measured via ELISA. Intergroup differences were analyzed, and Pearson correlation assessed relationships among biomarkers. Results: CSF MMP-9 levels were significantly elevated in neonates with myelomeningocele compared to controls (57.12 ± 64.19 ng/mL vs. 11.29 ± 6.79 ng/mL; p < 0.05). TIMP-1 (368.78 ± 220.08 ng/mL vs. 450.04 ± 390.22 ng/mL) and TGF-β1 (2.32 ± 1.44 ng/mL vs. 2.524 ± 1.07 ng/mL) did not differ significantly. MMP-9 correlated positively with TIMP-1 across all subjects (p < 0.05) and with TGF-β1 within the myelomeningocele group (p < 0.05), indicating coordinated regulation of ECM degradation and fibrogenic signaling. Conclusion: Elevated CSF MMP-9 in neonates with myelomeningocele suggests dysregulated ECM remodeling may be associated with neural tube malformation. MMP-9 may serve as a biomarker of ECM dysregulation, providing insights into the pathogenesis of congenital spinal dysraphism and identifying possible targets for future therapeutic interventions.