Objectives:
The aim of the study was to determine and analyze the correlation between the concentrations of selected metalloproteinases and their inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in patients with dementia and schizophrenia.

Methods:
The concentration of two collagenases and metalloendopeptidase was determined in the study. The study included 29 patients with lateonset dementia, 25 patients with paranoid schizophrenia and 25 healthy controls who were age-matched with the study groups. Symptoms of dementia were evaluated using the Short Mental State Assessment Scale, whereas the symptoms of schizophrenia were assessed using the Positive and Negative Assessment Scale. Blood samples were collected from the participants and the concentrations of MMP-1, MMP7, MMP-13, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in the blood serum were evaluated using ELISA method.

Results:
A two-fold increase in the concentration of MMP-1 and a slight increase in MMP-13 was observed in dementia patients compared to other groups, as well as a lower level of MMP-7 and TIMP-1 and a higher level of TIMP-2 compared to the control group. Patients with schizophreniashowed lower MMP-7 and higher TIMP-2 serum level compared to the controls. No differences in the concentration of MMP-1, MMP-13 and TIMP-1 levels were noticed. In people with late onset dementia an increase in collagenolytic activity was demonstrated.

Conclusions:
Increase in collagenolytic activity may indicate an increased remodeling within the central nervous system in late onset dementia. The differencein the fluctuation of the concentrations of the studied enzymes and their inhibitors in dementia and schizophrenia indicates their different involvement in the pathogenesis of these disorders.