Expression levels of MMP-1, MMP-3, and TIMP-1 in pediatric tonsillar tissue: A comparative study of tonsillar hypertrophy and chronic tonsillitis

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the tissue levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in cases of chronic tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy, in order to elucidate their mechanisms of action in inflammatory processes. Materials and methods: A total of 72 pediatric patients with an indication for tonsillectomy were included in the study. Of these, 36 patients diagnosed with chronic tonsillitis comprised the chronic tonsillitis (CT)group, while 36 patients diagnosed with tonsillar hypertrophy formed the tonsillar hypertrophy (TH) group. Punch biopsies were obtained from the tonsillar tissue following tonsillectomy in all patients. The samples were homogenized, sonicated, and centrifuged, and the supernatant fluid was analyzed for MMP-1, MMP-3, and TIMP-1 tissue levels using ELISA protocols. Results: In this study, MMP-1, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 levels and the rates of these biomarkers were examined in the chronic tonsillitis and hypertrophic tonsil groups, and no statistically significant difference was found between this two groups. Although a weak positive correlation was noted between age and MMP/TIMP values in both clinical groups, this was not statistically significant. Median values of MMP-1, MMP-3, and TIMP-1 appeared higher in females, but this difference was not statistically significant when compared to males. Conclusion: In this study, tissue levels of MMP-1, MMP-3, and TIMP-1 and their ratios were evaluated in children diagnosed with chronic tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy, with no significant differences detected between the groups. The findings suggest that the MMP/TIMP system maintains a stable balance in tonsillar tissue during childhood and does not appear to distinguish between chronic tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy in clinical practice.