<p>What is the expected reference range for serum human MMP-13 levels in adults

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MSt MRCGP.

Posted: 24 July 2026Updated: 24 July 2026 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed

No validated reference range is available for serum human MMP-13 in adults with knee osteoarthritis from the supplied UK guidance or literature.

The supplied OA studies do not report serum MMP-13 concentrations or establish assay-specific healthy or OA reference intervals.

The only numerical MMP-13 data provided are from an in-vitro experiment in normal human articular chondrocytes, where unstimulated secretion was 211.3 pg/mL (IQR 196.7–318.9) and IL-40 exposure increased secretion to 409.3 pg/mL at 10 ng/mL, 801.8 pg/mL at 100 ng/mL, and 1008.0 pg/mL at 200 ng/mL; these values are not serum results and must not be used as a patient reference range.

For a requested serum MMP-13 result, interpret only against the reporting laboratory’s assay-specific reference interval, analytical platform, units, and sample handling requirements; no clinically validated diagnostic or monitoring threshold for knee OA can be derived from this evidence.

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