Human gelatinase B,a marker enzyme in rheumatoid arthritis,is inhibited by D-penicillamine: Anti-rheumatic activity by protease inhibition

Summary The direct and indirect inhibitory potential of D-penicillamine toward human neutrophil and synovial fluid gelatinase B, a marker enzyme for disease severity in RA, was investigated. Gelatinase and plasminogen activator activities were assessed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis zymography. D-penicillamine significantly inhibits purified and synovial fluid gelatinase Bin vitro at concentrations attainablein vivo and also blocksin vitro plasminogen activation. Protease inhibition may be a mechanism of action for D-penicillamine as DMARD.