Neurological Disorders

Guillain Barre Syndrome and Matrix Metalloproteinases

Abstract

Dash S, Kamath U, Pai A and Rao P

Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune inflammatory neuropathy. It affects all age group of both sexes and can lead to morbidity if untreated. It is usually preceded by an infection and has a fast progression. There are two treatment modalities practiced primarily, plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Matrix metalloproteinases have been indicated to play a role in pathogenesis of GBS by mediating inflammation and disrupting blood nerve barrier. Greater focus needs to be put on these MMP’s as marker enzymes for early detection and/or diagnosis and as targets for therapy.