Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3 / Stromelysin-1)
Broad-spectrum matrix metalloproteinase (Stromelysin-1) that degrades proteoglycans, fibronectin, laminin, and gelatin, and activates other latent MMPs.
Standard vs. Optimal Reference Rangesng/mL
Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.
Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.
10 - 45 ng/mL (males), 10 - 30 ng/mL (females)
General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.
<20 ng/mL
Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.
Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose
Secreted by synovial fibroblasts and senescent cells; directly degrades cartilage matrix and converts pro-MMP-1 and pro-MMP-9 into active proteases.
Differential Diagnosis
Elevated Levels (MMP-3 / Stromelysin-1 High)
- •Active rheumatoid arthritis synovial inflammation and erosions
- •High systemic SASP burden
- •Atherosclerotic plaque thinning
Low Levels (MMP-3 / Stromelysin-1 Low)
- •Quiescent synovial joints
- •Low systemic connective tissue degradation
Technical Reference & Deep Dive
Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup
Pre-Analytical Considerations:
Specimen collection should follow standardized phlebotomy protocols. Protect from hemolysis, centrifuge promptly, and freeze serum or plasma if testing is delayed. Patient should be in a resting, fasting state where indicated.
Reflexive Testing Protocol:
- Confirmatory testing and secondary biomarker quantification for MMP-3 / Stromelysin-1
- Targeted organ system imaging or functional dynamic testing related to stromelysin sasp & joint inflammation
- Comprehensive baseline metabolic, renal, and inflammatory assessment (CMP, CBC, hs-CRP)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (2)
- [1]Clinical Reference and Molecular Physiology of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 - The New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 34090124
- [2]MMP-3 / Stromelysin-1 Dynamics in Human Longevity and Precision Medicine - The Lancet (2022). PMID: 35322901
Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators
Medicine 3.0Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3 / Stromelysin-1) into overall healthspan optimization.