Tissue Inhibitors Of Metalloproteinases (TIMPs) From Aspergillus Flavus- A New Dimention For The Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that principally attacks synovial joints. In the present investigation, we have focused on the isolation of TIMPs from soil fungus.  Several TIMP producing fungi were isolated from soil using glycerol agar plates and were confirmed using casein agar media. The optimization of TIMP was carried out by varying the parameters like pH, temperature and the concentration of metal ions. The effect of TIMP on thermolysin (MMP-2) was assayed by carrying out the anti-inflammatory activity using standard procedures. The results showed that crude sample from five different organisms inhibited the MMP-2 activity. Among these strains, the best results were seen in Aspergillus flavus sample. The antioxidant activity was also tested by using the DPPH method. The crude sample was purified using ammonium sulphate precipitation method. Gelatin zymography was conducted to confirm the activity of TIMP containing sample on thermolysin and Aspergillus flavus has confirmed the production of TIMP.