Localization of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) in human colorectal adenoma and adenocarcinoma

Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteases 1 (TIMP-1) inhibits the proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteases and hereby prevents cancer invasion. However, TIMP-1 also possesses other functions such as inhibition of apoptosis, induction of malignant transformation and stimulation of cell-growth. We have previously demonstrated that TIMP-1 is elevated in blood from colorectal cancer patients and that high TIMP-1 levels predict poor prognosis. To clarify the role of TIMP-1 in colorectal tumorigenesis, the expression pattern of TIMP-1 in benign and malignant colorectal tumors was studied. In all of 24 cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma TIMP-1 mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization. In all cases TIMP-1 expression was found in fibroblast-like cells located at the invasive front but was seen only sporadically in normal mucosa. No TIMP-1 mRNA was seen in any of the cases in benign or malignant epithelial cells, in vascular cells or smooth muscle cells. Comparison of sections processed for TIMP-1 in situ hybridization with sections immunohistochemically stained with antibodies against TIMP-1 showed good correlation between TIMP-1 mRNA and immunoreactivity. Combining TIMP-1 in situ hybridization with immunohistochemical staining for alpha-smooth muscle actin or CD68 showed TIMP-1 mRNA in myofibroblasts but not in macrophages. TIMP-1 mRNA was detected in 2 of 7 adenomatous polyps in the adenoma area: in both cases associated with focal stromal inflammation at the epithelial-stromal interface. In conclusion, TIMP-1 expression is a rare event in benign human colon tissue but is highly expressed by myofibroblasts in association with invading colon cancer cells.     

Serum levels and tissue expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP-2) in colorectal cancer patients

The objective of the study was the assessment of serum levels and tissue expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP-2) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The study included 72 CRC patients and 68 healthy subjects. The serum levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, whereas tissue expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in cancer cells, interstitial inflammatory cells, and adjacent normal colorectal mucosa were examined by immunohistochemical staining of tumor samples. The serum levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in cancer patients were significantly lower than those in control group, but the percentage of positive immunoreactivity of these proteins were higher in malignant and inflammatory cells as compared to normal tissue. There was a significant correlation between MMP-2 immunoreactivity in inflammatory cells and the presence of distant metastases and between TIMP-2 expression in inflammatory cells and tumor size, nodal involvement, and distant metastases. Area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for serum MMP-2 was higher than for serum TIMP-2. Moreover, positive tissue expression of MMP-2 was a significant prognostic factor for CRC patients’ survival. Our findings suggest that MMP-2 and TIMP-2 might play a role in the process of colorectal cancer invasion and metastasis, but the significance of their interactions with tumor stroma and interstitial inflammatory infiltration in colorectal neoplasia require further elucidation.     

Distribution of collagenase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) in colorectal tumours.

Increased collagenase activity in colorectal carcinomas has recently been shown to be associated with increased malignant potential. To determine the tissue distribution of collagenase and its specific inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP), we carried out an immunohistochemical study on colorectal carcinomas (n = 20), adenomas (n = 7) and normal mucosa (n = 6). We found increased staining for collagenase in the connective tissue stroma of carcinomas, as compared with adenomas and normal mucosa. Little evidence of epithelial cell staining for collagenase was seen in any tissue. In carcinomas, both stromal fibroblasts and collagen fibres stained strongly and stromal staining was strongest close to neoplastic glands. Vascular staining was more prominent in neoplastic than normal tissues, perhaps reflecting the increased proteolytic activity during tumour angiogenesis. The pattern of TIMP immunostaining was similar to that of collagenase, although basement membrane staining for TIMP was generally more intense. Another difference was that, unlike TIMP, staining for collagenase was often increased at the invasive edge of carcinomas, perhaps reflecting increased collagenase activity at this location.     

基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂在胃癌组织中的表达

目的探讨TIMP-1、TIMP-2在胃癌中的表达特点,与肿瘤浸润、转移及预后的关系.方法对胃癌术后病例63例采用S-P免疫组织化学法检测胃癌组织TIMP-1和TIMP-2的表达情况.结果TIMP-1、TIMP-2主要在胃癌细胞胞浆内表达.胃癌旁肠上皮化生和异型增生表达极佳.胃癌组织的TIMP-1、TIMP-2的阳性表达率分别为52.4%(33/63)和54.0%(34/63),表达强度与分化程度呈正相关;早期癌组和无淋巴结转移组中表达良好.TIMP-1表达的升高与生存曲线亦抬高一致,与TIMP-2表达无相关性.在胃癌组织中TIMP-1、TIMP-2间表达呈正相关,TIMP-1在原发灶和淋巴结转移灶中的表达有相关性,而TIMP-2无相关性.结论TIMP-1、TIMP-2在胃癌细胞中的表达存在广泛的异质性,与胃癌细胞分化程度、临床分期等多因素相关.作为胃癌浸润转移的负调控因子,TIMP-1、TIMP-2可作为判断胃癌恶性行为的重要生物学指标,TIMP-1亦是判断预后的重要指标.     

Epigenetic inactivation of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) gene in human prostate tumors

Gene silencing via CpG island methylation in the promoter region is one of the mechanisms by which tumor suppressor genes are inactivated in human cancers. Previous studies have shown that the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-2 gene, which is an endogenous inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases involved in cell invasion and tumorigenesis, is downregulated or silenced in a variety of human cancer cell lines. Here, we investigated the mechanism underlying TIMP-2 expression in prostate cancer cell lines and primary prostate tumor samples. We observed a strong correlation between promoter hypermethylation and lost expression of TIMP-2 gene, which was supported by other results demonstrating that promoter demethylation by 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and trichostatin A reactivated TIMP-2 and restored its expression in TIMP-2-silenced metastatic prostate cell lines. These results were further substantiated by a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, showing the preferential binding of MeCP2 to methylated CpG island in TIMP-2-silenced metastatic prostate cell lines. In vitro Matrigel invasion assays showed that re-expression of TIMP-2 after a combined treatment with 5-aza and trichostatin-A in metastatic prostate cells resulted in a significant reduction of tumor cell invasion. Furthermore, CpG methylation of TIMP-2 promoter was also shown in primary prostate tumors that expressed decreased TIMP-2 protein levels. These results suggest that the downregulation of the TIMP-2 gene is associated with promoter methylation and that this may play an important role in prostate cancer progression during the invasive and metastatic stages of the disease.     

Expression and localization of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases as a prognostic factor in advanced colorectal carcinomas

To clarify the usefulness of matrix metallo-proteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) as prognostic factors in advanced colorectal carcinoma, the immunohistochemical expressions of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were examined. Specimens were selected from 67 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for advanced colorectal carcinoma. The patterns of expression were compared with the prognoses of the patients. The patients with TIMP-2 expression in stroma adjacent to the tumor mass had better prognoses than those of the patients who had no TIMP-2 expression in normal stroma adjacent to the tumor (p<0.05), which probably acted as a block of cancer cell invasion. However, the expression of MMP-2, presumably acting as an antagonist to TIMP-2 was not related to the prognosis, and the MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expressions were not related to any clinicopathological factors examined.     

Selective toxicity of 1-naphthol to human colorectal tumour tissue

1-Naphthol was selectively toxic to human colorectal tumours compared to corresponding normal colonic tissue removed at surgery and maintained in short-term organ culture. Nineteen of 24 tumours studied have shown a significant differential response. Three human colonic adenocarcinoma xenografts, in the short-term organ culture system, displayed the same response to 1-naphthol as primary tumours removed at surgery. 1-Naphthol, 1,2- and 1,4-naphthoquinone were also toxic to two human colonic adenocarcinoma cell lines, LoVo and COLO 206. The selective toxicity of 1-naphthol is mediated in part through an accumulation of 1-naphthol in the tumour tissue due to impaired conjugation by the tumour. The higher concentrations of 1-naphthol may then exert their toxicity either directly or by formation of naphthoquinones. Some indirect evidence was obtained for the possible involvement of 1,2- or 1,4-naphthoquinone in the cytotoxicity of 1-naphthol. Our studies suggest that further studies are warranted of the possible use of 1-naphthol or related compounds as antitumour agents.     

Expression of midkine in the early stage of carcinogenesis in human colorectal cancer.

It has been suggested that a heparin-binding growth factor, midkine (MK), plays an important role in carcinogenesis because of its frequent overexpression in various malignant tumours. To clarify whether or not MK contributes to the early stage of carcinogenesis, we examined the status of MK mRNA in 20 adenomas with moderate- and severe-grade dysplasia, 28 carcinomas and 28 corresponding normal tissues, by means of Northern blotting. The MK expression level was significantly more elevated in adenomas than in normal tissues (P < 0.001, unpaired Student's t-test). A difference was also observed between carcinomas and the corresponding normal tissues (P < 0.04, paired Student's t-test). Moreover, MK immunostaining was positive in the adenomas with moderate- and severe-grade dysplasia and in the carcinomas, but not in mild-grade dysplasia or in normal tissues. These findings were in line with those on Western blotting. In three patients with both adenomas with moderate- or severe-grade dysplasia and carcinomas, elevated MK expression was observed in the neoplastic lesions. This is the first report of the association of elevated MK expression with the early stage of carcinogenesis in humans.     

Expression of tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 inversely correlates during the progression of human gliomas.

Protease inhibitors regulate a variety of physiological and pathological processes including angiogenesis, embryo implantation, intravascular fibrinolysis, wound healing, and tumor invasion. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) 2 is a Mr 32,000 Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor that inhibits plasmin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, cathepsin G, and plasma kallikrein but not urokinase-type plasminogen activator, tissue plasminogen activator, or thrombin. In this study, we determined the relative amounts of TFPI-2 in low-, intermediate-, and high-grade human glioma cell lines and tumor tissue samples. TFPI-2 protein and mRNA levels (measured by Western and Northern blotting) were highest in low-grade glioma cells (Hs683), lower in anaplastic astrocytoma cells (SW1088 and SW1783), and undetectable in high-grade glioma cells (SNB19). Analysis of TFPI-2 protein in human normal brain and in glioma tumor tissues for TFPI-2 revealed the highest levels in normal brain, lesser amounts in low-grade gliomas and anaplastic astrocytomas, and undetectable amounts in glioblastomas. In situ hybridization of TFPI-2 mRNA with normal brain tissues revealed the greatest positivity in neurons, with moderate positivity in both glial and endothelial cells and moderate, little, or no TFPI-2 mRNA in low-grade glioma, anaplastic astrocytoma, and glioblastoma tumor tissue samples, respectively. We also found that recombinant TFPI-2 inhibited the invasiveness of SNB19 glioblastoma cells in a Matrigel assay in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these results suggest that TFPI-2 has a regulatory role in the invasiveness of gliomas in vitro and in vivo.     

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in human pancreatic adenocarcinomas: clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of matrilysin expression.

PURPOSE: A disruption in the balance between the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their natural inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), has been implicated in the progression of many types of cancer. The aim of this study was to determine whether a specific MMP or TIMP has clinicopathologic and prognostic significance in pancreatic carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using immunohistochemistry, we analyzed 70 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissues for expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7 (matrilysin), MMP-9, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2. The results were matched with clinicopathologic characteristics and patients' survival. The effects of the suppression of a specific MMP on in vitro invasiveness of pancreatic carcinoma cells were also examined. RESULTS: Expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, matrilysin, MMP-9, MT1-MMP, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 was detected in either tumor cells or tumor stromal cells, or in both components, at varying frequencies. Among MMPs, matrilysin showed a unique distribution in the tumor nests; its expression was usually most pronounced at the invasive front of the tumors. Sections with immunostaining signals in more than 30% of carcinoma cells at the invasive front, which were observed in 40 cases (57%), were judged to be positive for matrilysin. Matrilysin positivity was significantly correlated with pT, pN, and pM categories and with more advanced pathologic tumor-node-metastasis stages. Patients with matrilysin-positive carcinoma had a significantly shorter overall survival time than did those with matrilysin-negative carcinoma. Matrilysin was a significant independent prognostic factor for overall survival in multivariate analysis. In contrast, there was no correlation between the presence of other MMPs or TIMPs and clinicopathologic characteristics, nor was the presence of individual MMPs or TIMPs related to survival. Antisense matrilysin-transfected CFPAC-1 cells expressed reduced levels of matrilysin and demonstrated a similar growth potential but were less invasive in vitro compared with neotransfected CFPAC-1 cells. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that matrilysin may play a key role in progression of pancreatic carcinoma and thereby contribute to a poor prognosis. Because different synthetic MMP inhibitors affect different types of MMPs to a different degree, examination of the expression of MMPs, especially that of matrilysin, may serve as an indicator for selecting the most effective MMP inhibitor.     

Expression of pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor gene in human colorectal tumor

Expression of pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PSTI) gene was examined by Northern blotting analyses in 31 human colorectal tumors that included two benign adenomas and 26 adenocarcinomas. Among the total of 28 cases which proved to be adequate for mRNA analyses, all but one showed the expression of PSTI at various levels. In contrast, PSTI expression was not detected in two malignant lymphomas of the rectum. The level of PSTI expression was not correlated with the patient's age, sex, tumor location or size, stage of differentiation, lymph node metastasis, or progression stage. Some colorectal adenocarcinomas were also shown to express genes that can hybridize with human trypsinogen cDNA probe. It looks as though in these tumors, a protease(s) and its inhibitor are produced simultaneously as part of a cellular self-defense mechanism.     

Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases: a review of their role in tumorigenesis and tissue invasion

We review the metalloproteinase/metalloproteinase inhibitor field, past work implicating metalloproteinases in invasion and metastasis, and our research using sense and antisense tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) RNA to manipulate TIMP expression. Experiments on murine 3T3 cell lines downmodulated for TIMP expression have revealed a role for TIMP in controlling tumorigenesis as well as invasion; in tumors that develop from these cell lines there is an apparent increase in expression of genes encoding metalloproteinases. Growth patterns of cells engineered to produce different levels of TIMP and the characteristics of tumor cell lines derived from cells downmodulated for TIMP expression have been investigated. The evidence that metalloproteinases are an essential contributor to the metastatic process, and that TIMP is a prominent regulator, is quite conclusive.     

Expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor,matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 in the plasma of patients with ovarian carcinoma

We measured the levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinases type 2 and type 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase 1 and 2 (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in the plasma of patients with ovarian carcinoma (n=40), in other gynaecological pathologies (n=30) and in the plasma of healthy volunteers (n=26). MMP-2 and MMP-9 (pro and active forms) gelatinolytic activity was measured by zymography. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to assay soluble VEGF and TIMPs. Preoperative plasma VEGF levels were significantly higher in patients with ovarian cancer than in healthy volunteers (P<0.0001) or patients with a benign gynaecological pathology (P<0.0001). The expression of pro-MMP-9 was higher in the plasma of ovarian cancer patients than in the plasma of women with non-malignant disease (P=0.01) or healthy women (P<0.0002). Pro-MMP-2 was detected in the plasma of ovarian cancer patients, but levels did not differ from those in non-malignant disease or healthy donor samples. Plasma TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels were significantly higher in patients with ovarian carcinomas than in healthy volunteers (P<0.0001 and P=0.006, respectively) or in the patients with a non-malignant pathology (P<0.0001 and P=0.002, respectively). Sub-group analysis showed that VEGF and pro-MMP-9 were higher in the plasma of patients with serous carcinomas than other histological types. Furthermore, plasma VEGF and pro-MMP-9 levels were higher in the plasma of cancer patients with thrombocytosis. Throughout the study, and in the univariate analysis, no correlation was found between the VEGF, MMP and TIMP levels. Only TIMP-1 was associated with a poor survival and mortality risk.     

VEGF、MMP-2与TIMP-2在大肠癌中的表达

 目的　研究VEGF、MMP 2与TIMP 2在大肠癌组织中的表达、相互关系及与肿瘤生物学行为的相关性。方法　对 5 4例大肠癌患者的手术切除之癌组织和癌周正常组织 ,应用免疫组织化学方法检测其VEGF、基质金属蛋白酶MMP 2和组织金属蛋白酶抑制剂TIMP 2的表达情况 ,探讨两者之间的相互关系及其与肿瘤生物学行为的相关性。结果　VEGF、MMP 2与TIMP 2这三种蛋白在肿瘤组织中表达水平明显高于在正常组织中的表达。这三种蛋白的表达呈正相关 ,且表达水平与组织类型、组织分化程度、淋巴结转移、临床分期和五年生存率有统计学相关性 (P <0 .0 5 )。结论　大肠癌中VEGF、MMP 2与TIMP 2的表达 ,可能是癌肿发生、生长和浸润转移的重要因素 ,可作为判断肿瘤恶性程度的重要指标。     

Expression of the serine protease inhibitor serpinA3 in human colorectal adenocarcinomas

Proteases facilitate a number of steps in cancer progression. The serine protease inhibitors (serpins) are a protein superfamily with inhibitory activity against proteases. One of these proteases, serpinA3, appears to have a multifaceted role and is associated with inflammatory reactions, Alzheimer's disease, malignant melanoma and gastric cancer. To gain insight into the potential effect of serpinA3 on colorectal cancer (CRC) we determined whether serpinA3 is altered in colorectal tissue or plasma in CRC patients. Collectively, by using ELISA we noted a significantly lower serpinA3 level in cancer tissue compared to paired normal tissue. Moreover, the tumour serpinA3 level tended to be higher in disseminated disease as compared to localised disease. No significant difference in the plasma levels of serpinA3 was noted in the patients when compared to the controls. However, plasma serpinA3 and C-reactive protein (marker of inflammation) in the CRC patients and controls were significantly positively correlated. To confirm and detect localization of serpinA3 expression, immunohistochemistry was performed. Immunohistochemistry showed heterogeneous immunoreactivity in epithelial cells in the cancer and normal tissue and extracellular staining within bands of stroma as well as in some stromal cells. A Taq Man system was used to investigate a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs4934) in the serpinA3 signal sequence gene with supposed effect on serpinA3 secretion and expression. No significant difference was observed between CRC and control subjects regarding genotype and allelic distributions, nor were associations noted between clinical characteristics and serpinA3 levels. In conclusion, an altered serpinA3 concentration in CRC tissue may be a potential biomarker in CRC progression. SerpinA3 concentrations in plasma appear to be correlated with systemic inflammation, but do not appear to be specific to CRC patients. Further studies are warranted to improve our understanding of the role of serpinA3 in CRC.     

基质金属蛋白酶2及其组织抑制因子2在子宫内膜癌中的表达及意义

  目的 探讨基质金属蛋白酶2（MMP-2）与其组织抑制因子2（TIMP-2）在子宫内膜癌中的表达及意义。方法 应用免疫组织化学方法对40例子宫内膜癌，12例子宫内膜不典型增生，12例正常子宫内膜中的MMP-2，TIMP-2的表达进行检测，并分析MMP-2，TIMP-2的表达与子宫内膜癌临床病理特征之间的关系。结果 MMP-2和 TIMP-2在正常子宫内膜、子宫内膜不典型增生及子宫内膜癌的阳性表达率逐渐升高； 在子宫内膜癌组织中，MMP-2／TIMP-2阳性表达面积比值随着病理分化程度的降低、肌层浸润的加深及临床分期的升高而逐渐增高。结论 MMP-2与TIMP-2的表达与子宫内膜癌的发生相关， MMP-2／TIMP-2表达的不平衡可能是子宫内膜癌发生发展的因素之一。     

Expression of ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteases) and TIMP-3 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3) in human prostatic adenocarcinomas

A disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs) are proteins that contain both a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain and have potential implications for the metastasis of human cancer cells via cell adhesion and protease activities. In this study, we analyzed the expression levels of ADAM-9, ADAM-10 and ADAM-17 (TNF-alpha converting enzyme, TACE), and TIMP-3 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3) in human prostatic tumor cell lines as well as in clinical patient materials (BPH and tumor tissue samples). Human prostatic tumor cell lines (MDA PCa 2b, LNCaP-C33, -C51, -C81, -Pro5, -Ln3, -C4-2, PC3, and DU145) showed varied levels of expression for ADAM-9, -10 and -17 mRNA. A strong expression of ADAM-17/TACE was further revealed by Western blot analysis in prostatic tumor cell lines. In the case of clinical material, all the tumor samples (8/8) revealed the expression of ADAM-9, -10, and -17 compared to the specimens of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) where 80% of (8/10) samples showed the expression of ADAM-9, 86% (6/7) of ADAM-10, and 30% (3/10) of ADAM-17/TACE. Interestingly, expression of a potent inhibitor of ADAM-17 (TIMP-3) was not detected in any prostatic tumor cell lines (0/9), while TIMP-3 expression was detected in 82% (9/11) of BPH samples. Androgen-sensitive LNCaP-C33 cells exhibited differences in ADAMs regulation by 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), while such differences were not detectable in androgen-independent LNCaP-C81 cells. These results suggest that an inverse expression pattern of ADAM-17/TACE and TIMP-3, and the regulation of ADAMs with DHT might play an important role in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer.