Differential matrix metalloproteinase expression in cases of multiple sclerosis and stroke

D.C. Anthony, B. Ferguson, M.K. Matyzak, K.M. Miller, M.M. Esiri and V.H. Perry (1997) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology 23, 406–415
Differential matrix metalloproteinase expression in cases of multiple sclerosis and stroke
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and stroke pathology are characterized by blood–brain barrier breakdown, leucocyte emigration, and tissue destruction. Each process is thought to involve the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), but little is known of their expression. We undertook to investigate whether MMP expression is dependent on the nature of the CNS lesion and whether expression would coincide with the histopathology. MS or cerebral-infarct tissue was examined for the presence of gelatinase-A, gelatinase-B, matrilysin and stromelysin-1. Gelatinases A and B and matrilysin expression was found to be up-regulated in microglia/macrophages within acute MS lesions. In active-chronic MS lesions, matrilysin and gelatinase-A expression was pronounced in the active borders. In chronic MS lesions, the expression of matrilysin was confined to macrophages within perivascular cuffs. The pattern of MMP expression in infarct lesions differed considerably. Gelatinase-B was strongly expressed by neutrophils in tissue from patients up to 1 week after an infarct, whereas gelatinase-A and matrilysin staining was much less marked. From 1 week to 5 years, neutrophils were absent and the large number of macrophages present were expressing matrilysin and gelatinase A. Only a low level of gelatinase-A and matrilysin expression was observed in normal brain controls. Thus, MMPs are expressed in inflammatory lesions in the CNS, but their individual expression is dependent on the nature and chronicity of the lesion. However, the general pattern of expression, in perivascular cuffs and in active lesions, supports a role for these enzymes as mediators of blood–brain barrier breakdown and tissue destruction, both in MS and in cerebral ischaemia.     

Human endosialin (tumor endothelial marker 1) is abundantly expressed in highly malignant and invasive brain tumors

Endosialin (tumor endothelial marker 1) is expressed preferentially by tumor endothelial cells but not by normal endothelium. Its protein domain architecture is homologous to that of CD93 and thrombomodulin (CD141), suggesting a similar function in mediating cell-cell interactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression pattern of endosialin in human brain tumors in a bid to decipher its contribution to tumor angiogenesis. We generated an antibody specifically recognizing human endosialin and used it to study endosialin expression in 30 human brain tumor specimens by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Twenty of 30 tumors expressed endosialin in a heterogeneous manner. The largest proportion of endosialin-expressing tumors was found in highly invasive glioblastoma multiforme, anaplastic astrocytomas, and metastatic carcinomas. Endosialin was localized to the endothelium of small and large vessels strongly stained for CD31 and was also expressed by Thy-1-positive fibroblast-like cells close to the meninges and alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive cells in some vessels. Endosialin colocalized with thrombomodulin, suggesting the proteins may have complementary functions in tumor progression.     

Divergent effects of oncostatin M on astroglioma cells: influence on cell proliferation, invasion, and expression of matrix metalloproteinases

Oncostatin M (OSM), a cytokine of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family, can either promote or inhibit cell growth in various normal and tumor cells. We addressed the effects of exogenous OSM on the proliferation and invasion of human astroglioma cells. In addition, we investigated one of the possible mechanisms involved: modulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and enzymatic activity. We found that OSM inhibited the proliferation of two human astroglioma cell lines (CH235-MG and U87-MG), and that this effect was not due to apoptosis. The inhibitory effect of OSM on proliferation was mediated through the gp130/OSMRbeta receptor complex. To extend these findings, we analyzed the effects of OSM on primary tumor cells from glioblastoma patients. OSM suppressed the proliferation of primary glioblastoma cells, but not that of normal astrocytes. Interestingly, OSM did not suppress astroglioma cell invasion. This may be due to the differential regulation of MMPs by OSM. We found that OSM inhibited the constitutive expression of MMP-2, while MMP-9 expression was enhanced in astroglioma cell lines. We conclude that OSM inhibits proliferation of human astroglioma cells and primary glioblastoma cells via the gp130/OSMRbeta receptor complex. However, OSM does not affect the invasive capacity of the astroglioma cells, which may be due to the divergent effects of OSM on MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. Collectively, these findings suggest a complex role for OSM in astroglioma biology.     

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β) in human gliomas

The growth of solid tumors is highly dependent on vascular proliferation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the main mediator of angiogenesis, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β), receptor for the potent mitogen PDGF, are two indicators of the angiogenic potential of human gliomas. We studied a series of 57 surgical biopsies of astrocytic neoplasms by immunohistochemistry to elucidate the relationship between tumor proliferation, quantified as Ki67-LI, and the expression of these two proteins. Ki67-LI increases throughout histological malignancy, although staining in endothelial cells has rarely been recorded. Elevated amounts of VEGF-positive tumor cells (VEGF-LI) were found in anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastomas, mainly around areas of necrosis, cysts, or edema. Endothelium of blood vessels was consistently stained. PDGFR-β positivity was found in glomeruloid formations and in tumor cells, excluding pilocytic astrocytomas. Multinucleated giant cells and perivascular tumor cells were positive in glioblastomas. In addition, peritumoral microglia-like cells were also stained in some cases. Statistical correlation was only found between PDGFR-β and Ki67 LIs. In conclusion, VEGF as permeability factor is involved in the development of secondary neoplastic changes, whereas PDGFR-β is directly correlated to proliferation indexes. Strong expression of VEGF and PDGFR-β found in endothelium and tumor cells would seem to support a combined role in tumoral neoangiogenesis     

Rhabdoid glioblastoma: Case report and literature review

Rhabdoid glioblastoma is a recently described entity in which a glioblastoma is associated with a rhabdoid component. Although rhabdoid glioblastoma has not appeared in the new World Health Organization classification of tumors of the CNS, it has a specific morphological feature and highly aggressive clinic process. Up to now, there have been six cases of rhabdoid glioblastoma reported in the literature. We report rhabdoid glioblastoma in the right front temporal lobe from a 31‐year‐old Chinese man. This tumor consisted of rhabdoid tumor cells with an eccentric nucleus and an eosinophilic cytoplasm. The tumor had an area appearing to be glioblastoma with microvascular proliferation and necrosis, and lacked a primitive neuroectodermal tumor component, and a mesenchymal component. Vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen, GFAP and integrase interactor (INI‐1) expression were found in the tumor cells. Genetic abnormalities which include monosomy or a deletion of chromosome 22 were not found in this tumor. After 3 months post‐surgery, the tumor was widespread in leptomeningia and the patient died. In conclusion, rhabdoid glioblastoma is a rare glioblastoma with poor prognosis; the differential diagnosis contained other rhabdoid tumors. This case will contribute to the profile of rhabdoid glioblastoma with typical morphology and immunophenotype, genetic and clinic features.     

Her-2与CD44在恶性脑肿瘤中的表达及意义

目的 探讨人类表皮因子受体2型(Her-2)及CD44在常见恶性脑肿瘤中的表达情况及与肿瘤预后的关系.方法 采用免疫组织化学和间接免疫荧光标记法检测胶质母细胞瘤、胶质肉瘤、髓母细胞瘤、间变性少突胶质细胞瘤共120例及10例正常脑组织标本中Her-2、CD44的表达,对数据进行统计学分析.结果 Her-2的表达阳性率在胶质母细胞瘤、胶质肉瘤、髓母细胞瘤和间变性少突胶质细胞瘤中分别是 80.0%、73.3%、66.7%和33.3%.CD44的表达阳性率在上述四种肿瘤中分别为86.7%、80.0%、90.0%和73.3%.Her-2在正常脑组织中无表达,CD44在正常脑组织中表达阳性率为20.0%.Her-2与CD44在恶性脑肿瘤中的表达无相关性(P>0.05),但两者均与肿瘤预后关系密切.免疫荧光标记显示两者存在共表达现象.结论 Her-2在胶质母细胞瘤、胶质肉瘤、髓母细胞瘤中高表达,而在间变性少突胶质细胞瘤中相对低表达,CD44则普遍高表达.未发现两者在恶性脑肿瘤中表达具有相关性,但二者均与肿瘤的预后有密切关系,具有协同作用.因此Her-2与CD44有望成为脑肿瘤联合免疫治疗的联合靶位,在脑肿瘤诊治中发挥重要作用.     

Heterogeneity in the expression of markers for drug resistance in brain tumors

Brain tumors, in general, display a multidrug-resistant phenotype. This study evaluated the immunohistochemical expression and distribution of P-glycoprotein (Pgp), multidrug resistance protein (MRP1), lung resistance protein (LRP) and O6 methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) in low- and high-grade astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma and in different subgroups of meningioma. The results revealed a marked heterogeneity in the expression and distribution among the analyzed tumors. In astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma, Pgp and MRP1 were observed in the capillary endothelium and in scattered tumor cells, whereas LRP occurred only in tumor cells. A pronounced expression of MGMT was found independent of the histopathological grade. An enhanced expression of MRP1 and LRP in astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma were more often evident in older patients (> 50 years). Survival analysis suggested a markedly decreased overall survival for patients suffering from low-grade glioma overexpressing Pgp. In meningioma, a heterogeneous expression of Pgp, MRP1, LRP and MGMT was seen with the most prominent staining localized to the capillary endothelium. Pgp was significantly more often overexpressed (p < 0.05) in transitional compared to meningothelial meningioma. The marked heterogeneity in the expression suggests that analysis of these factors can be of importance in the selection of individualized chemotherapy, regardless of tumor type.     

Upregulation of beta-amyloid precursor protein expression in glioblastoma multiforme

Glioma and glioblastoma multiforme constitute rapidly proliferating glial cell tumors whose pathogenic mechanisms are not well understood. This study examined proinflammatory and neurodegenerative gene expression in five American Tissue Culture Collection glioma and glioblastoma multiforme tumor cell lines and in 14 glioma and glioblastoma samples obtained from human brain biopsy. Expression of the low-abundance cyclooxygenase-1 and the high-abundance cytoskeletal element beta-actin were found not to significantly change in any cells or tissues studied and were used as internal controls. In contrast, proinflammatory cyclooxygenase-2, cytosolic phospholipase A2, IL-1beta, and beta-amyloid precursor protein expression levels were found to be significantly upregulated. These studies suggest that glioma and glioblastoma exhibit robust upregulation of proinflammatory and neurodegenerative genetic markers that may contribute to the pathobiology, phenotype, and proliferation of glial cell growth.     

Correlation between glioblastoma cell infiltration and T2 prolongation on magnetic resonance imaging

Tumor cell infiltration around the tumor tissue in glioblastoma was investigated in 13 patients with glioblastoma who underwent gross total tumor removal. Thirty-four glioblastoma cases were operated on between January 1988 and December 1995. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium enhancement was used to measure tumor size, and T2-weighted MRI to detect perilesional edema. Biopsy samples of surrounding tissue taken after tumor removal were histologically examined. Small tumors (< 3 cm diameter) and moderatesized tumors with mild perilesional edema had no or few infiltrating tumor cells in the surrounding tissue. In contrast, large tumors (> 6 cm diameter) with moderate or high perilesional edema had intensive tumor cell infiltration.     

Matrix metalloproteinases MMP-9 and MMP-7 are expressed in experimental autoimmune neuritis and the guillain-barré syndrome

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes that may be implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis. The present study investigated the expression of 92-kd gelatinase (MMP-9) and five other MMPs in sciatic nerve from Lewis rats with autoimmune experimental neuritis (EAN), an experimental model of the Guillain-Barre syndrome(GBS). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed an up-regulation of MMP-9 mRNA with peak levels concurrent with maximal disease severity. Increased mRNA expression was associated with enhaced enzyme activity, as detected by gelatin zymography. Immunohistochemically, MMP-9 could be localized primarily around blood vessels within the epineurium and enhoneurium in diseased but not normal sciatic nerve. Among all other MMPs investigated, mRNA levels of matrilysin (MMP-7) were found to be up-regulated at the peak of the disorder, remaining at high levels throughout the clinical recovery phase of the disease. To apply these findings to human disease, sural nerve biopsies from GBS patients were examined. By using immunohistochemistry, positive immunoreactivity against MMP-9 and MMP-7 was noted and corroborated by demonstrating augmented mRNA expression in comparison with noninflammatory neuropathies. Furthermore, increased MMP-9 activity was detected by zymography. These findings indicate that 92-kd gelatinase and matrilysin are selectively up-regulated during EAN and expressed in nerves of GBS patients and thus may contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory demyelination of the peripheral nervous system.     

人脑星形细胞瘤中肿瘤相关抗原RCAS1的表达

目的探讨表达于SiSo细胞系上的受体结合癌抗原(RCAS1)在星形细胞瘤中的表达情况,及其与肿瘤病理分级的关系.方法用免疫组织化学方法检测RCAS1的表达,研究对象为6例正常脑组织、13例毛细胞型星形细胞瘤、25例弥漫型星形细胞瘤、20例间变型星形细胞瘤、13例胶质母细胞瘤.结果 RCAS1在人脑星形细胞瘤中的总表达率为60.1%, RCAS1的表达与肿瘤级别呈正相关(P<0.001),间变型星形细胞瘤与胶质母细胞瘤之间的阳性表达细胞计分差异有显著性(P<0.01).结论 RCAS1是人脑星形细胞瘤的新的肿瘤相关抗原,其表达与胶质母细胞瘤的形成相关.     

Characterization of Numb expression in astrocytomas

During early neurodevelopment, asymmetric segregation of Numb in mitotic progenitor cells influences the fate of daughter cells, whereby one daughter retains the progenitor phenotype while the other proceeds along a differentiation pathway. Numb has also been reported to function as a tumor suppressor in breast cancers and medulloblastomas. Given its role in maintaining neural progenitor pools in animal models and its reported role as a tumor suppressor, Numb could potentially contribute to astrocytoma oncogenesis. We characterized Numb expression in both human astrocytoma tissue samples and glioblastoma cell lines. We found that Numb is expressed in all grades of astrocytomas, being predominantly cytoplasmic in higher‐grade astrocytomas but nuclear in pilocytic astrocytomas. Numb is also present in normal neurons, but not in normal astrocytes. In cultured glioblastoma cells, Numb concentrates in the perinuclear region and process tips. Numb expression in astrocytomas recapitulates that of progenitor cells during neurodevelopment, and suggests a role for Numb in astrocytoma oncogenesis.     

CD147反义RNA抑制神经胶质瘤侵袭的实验研究

目的 探讨CD147在人脑胶质瘤侵袭中的作用机制. 方法构建 CD147反义RNA表达质粒并转染人胶质瘤细胞系U251(转染组),同时设空载体对照组和空白对照组,经筛选、鉴定后应用明胶酶谱实验和重组基底膜实验分别检测3组细胞中基质金属蛋白酶(MMPs)的分泌和侵袭细胞的数量. 结果与空载体转染组和空白对照组比较,CD147反义RNA转染组U251细胞产生MMPs的能力下降,侵袭细胞的数量降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05). 结论 CD147反义核酸能抑制胶质瘤的侵袭浸润,提示其可能成为胶质瘤治疗的药物靶点.     

Enhanced expression of MMP-7 and MMP-9 in demyelinating multiple sclerosis lesions

The pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterised by breakdown of the blood-brain barrier accompanied by infiltration of macrophages and T cells into the central nervous system (CNS). Myelin is degraded and engulfed by the macrophages, producing lesions of demyelination. Some or all of these mechanisms might involve proteinases, and here we have studied the cellular localisation and distribution of two matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-7 (matrilysin) and MMP-9 (92-kDa gelatinase), in the normal human CNS and active demyelinating MS lesions. Cryostat sections of CNS samples were immunostained with antisera to MMP-7 and MMP-9. In addition, non-radioactive in situ hybridisation (ISH) was performed using a digoxygenin-labelled riboprobe to detect the expression of MMP-7. MMP-7 immunoreactivity was weakly detected in microglial-like cells in normal brain tissue sections, and was very strong in parenchymal macrophages in active demyelinating MS lesions. This pattern of expression was confirmed using ISH. MMP-7 immunoreactivity was not detected in macrophages in spleen or tonsil, indicating that it is specifically induced in infiltrating macrophages in active demyelinating MS lesions. MMP-9 immunoreactivity was detected in a few small blood vessels in normal brain tissue sections, whereas many blood vessels stained positive in CNS tissue sections of active demyelinating MS lesions. The up-regulation of MMPs in MS may contribute to the pathology of the disease. Received: 19 December 1996 / Revised: 22 May 1997 / Accepted: 4 June 1997     

CD147反义RNA抑制神经胶质瘤侵袭的实验研究

目的 探讨CD147在人脑胶质瘤侵袭中的作用机制. 方法构建 CD147反义RNA表达质粒并转染人胶质瘤细胞系U251(转染组),同时设空载体对照组和空白对照组,经筛选、鉴定后应用明胶酶谱实验和重组基底膜实验分别检测3组细胞中基质金属蛋白酶(MMPs)的分泌和侵袭细胞的数量. 结果与空载体转染组和空白对照组比较,CD147反义RNA转染组U251细胞产生MMPs的能力下降,侵袭细胞的数量降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05). 结论 CD147反义核酸能抑制胶质瘤的侵袭浸润,提示其可能成为胶质瘤治疗的药物靶点.     

No prognostic impact of survivin expression in glioblastoma

Survivin is a member of a novel protein family of inhibitors of apoptosis, and also plays a role as a potent regulator of mitosis. In semiquantitative Western blot analysis of glioblastomas, survivin expression was shown to be a prognostically significant factor. In the present study we investigated the immunohistochemical expression of survivin and its prognostic impact in a large glioblastoma series comprising 104 consecutive adult patients undergoing a first operation for glioblastoma. We analyzed survivin, Ki-67, and topoisomerase-II-alpha expression in paraffin-embedded tissue, and correlated patient age, Karnofsky performance score, vascular pattern and survivin-, Ki-67-, topoisomerase-II-alpha-, and apoptotic indices with patient outcome using univariate and multivariate survival analysis. Survivin was expressed in all glioblastoma samples, and was prominent in a fraction of nuclei of tumor cells and vascular cells. Further, survivin labeled spindle- and chromosomal material of mitotic figures. Faint cytoplasmic expression was also seen. The survivin index showed significant correlation with Ki-67 and Topo-II-alpha indices. On average, 58.85% of Ki-67 and 91.08% of survivin-expressing nuclei co-expressed Ki-67 and survivin. The survivin index did not correlate significantly with overall survival, whereas patient age, Karnofsky performance score, vascular pattern, and Ki-67 and topoisomerase-II-alpha indices were associated with patient outcome. In summary, in glioblastoma, survivin is expressed predominantly in proliferating tumor cell nuclei. In contrast to Ki-67 and topoisomerase-II-alpha, survivin expression does not influence patient outcome. So, in contrast to Ki-67, survivin does not seem to be useful as prognostic factor in the clinical setting.     

Gene amplification in malignant human gliomas: clinical and histopathologic aspects

Gene amplification occurs in 45-50% of malignant human gliomas (MHG). In the present study, 64 genetically characterized gliomas were evaluated to determine if tumors with amplification of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), N-myc, c-myc, or gli genes had distinctive histopathologic features. There was no significant difference in age (p = 0.10) or gender (p = 0.78) between patients whose tumors contained amplified genes and those whose tumors did not exhibit this characteristic. Although the patients with amplified genes in their tumors survived slightly longer than patients whose tumors had no detectable gene amplification, these differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.21). The 28 tumors with amplification included 24/48 (50%) glioblastoma multiforme, 2/6 (33%) anaplastic astrocytomas and 2/5 (40%) gliosarcomas. No amplification was seen in one oligodendroglioma, three anaplastic mixed gliomas or one giant cell glioblastoma multiforme. Necrosis and endothelial proliferation were equally prevalent among tumors with and without amplification. Comparison of tumors with gene amplification and tumors without this characteristic revealed similar distributions of most morphologic cells types. Although prominent perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates were more frequent in tumors without amplification, this association was of borderline significance statistically. In situ hybridization of tumors with amplification using an EGFR mRNA probe showed intense labeling of different neoplastic cell types including fibrillary and protoplasmic astrocytes, gemistocytes, anaplastic cells, and multinucleated giant cells. Non-neoplastic cells such as hyperplastic endothelium within the tumors did not express detectable EGFR mRNA. These studies demonstrate that (a) cells with quite different morphology within the same tumor can contain the same genetic alteration; (b) tumors of identical histological appearance may have arisen and evolved by different molecular mechanisms; and (c) molecular analyses are necessary to evaluate gene amplification in MHG since this characteristic cannot be accurately predicted by the morphologic or clinical criteria used in this study.     

Leptin induces migration and invasion of glioma cells through MMP-13 production

Leptin, the product of the obese gene, plays an important role in the regulation of body weight by coordinating metabolism, feeding behavior, energy balance, and neuroendocrine responses. However, regulation of leptin gene expression in the central nervous system is different from that in the adipocytes. In addition, leptin has been found in many tumor cell lines and has been shown to have mitogenic and angiogenic activity in a number of cell types. Glioma is the most common primary adult brain tumor with poor prognosis because of the spreading of tumor cell to the other regions of brain easily. Here we found that malignant C6 glioma cells expressed more leptin and leptin receptors than nonmalignant astrocytes. Furthermore, it was found that exogenous application of leptin enhanced the migration and invasion of C6 glioma cells. In addition, we found that the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) but not of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was increased in response to leptin stimulation. The leptin-induced increase of cell migration and invasion was antagonized by MMP-13 neutralizing antibody or silencing MMP-13. The up-regulation of MMP-13 induced by leptin was mainly through p38 MAP kinase and NF-kappaB pathway. In addition, migration-prone sublines demonstrate that cells with increasing migration ability had more expression of MMP-13 and leptin. Taken together, these results indicate that leptin enhanced migration and invasion of C6 glioma cells through the increase of MMP-13 production.