Serum matrix metalloproteases-2 and chemokine ligand-2 levels in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy

Background and objectives. Diabetic neuropathy is a prevalent complication in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Recent studies indicate that the onset of neuropathic pain in both early and late stages necessitates matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL-2); however, the role of these neuropeptides in diabetic neuropathy remains largely unexplored. Consequently, we investigated the serum MMP-2 and CCL-2 levels in patients with type 2 DM, with and without neuropathic pain. Materials and methods. This research was an analytical observational study involving 40 participants diagnosed with type 2 DM. The presence of diabetic neuropathy was assessed using the DN4 questionnaire. The serum concentrations of MMP-2 and CCL-2 were assessed by ELISA. An area under the curve analysis was conducted to ascertain the cut-off values for serum MMP-2 and CCL-2 levels. Results. Mean levels of MMP-2 (278.82 ± 448.64 ng/mL vs. 141.42 ± 43.43 ng/mL, p = 0.218) and CCL-2 (107.54 ± 222.25 ng/mL vs. 39.09 ± 9.05 ng/mL, p = 0.182) were higher in the neuropathic pain group than in the control group. There was a significant difference between groups with a durat