Background: Extracellular matrix remodeling is altered in rotator cuff tears, partly due to altered expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors. It is unclear if this altered expression can be traced as changes in plasma protein levels. We measured the plasma level of MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in patients with rotator cuff tears.~Material and methods: Blood samples were collected from 17 patients, median 61 (range 39-77) years, with sonographically verified rotator cuff tears (partial- or full-thickness). These were compared with 16 gender and age matched control persons with sonographically intact rotator cuffs. Plasma levels of MMPs and TIMPs were measured simultaneously using Luminex technology.
The aim of the study was to investigate the levels of matrixmetalloproteinases and their inhibitors in blood samples from patients with rotator cuff tears and compare with blood samples from healthy matched controls.