Prognostic significance of expression of matrix metalloproteinase in colorectal adenocarcinomas and their metastases

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 was studied in primary tumors and their metastases in patients with colorectal cancer. The correlation of immunoreactivity with clinical morphological signs, prognosis of the disease, and development of metastases in the liver was analyzed. The level of expression and distribution of markers in patients with colorectal cancer with metastases in the liver differed from that in control patients without metastases. Enhanced expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 was detected in colorectal cancer patients with distant metastases. Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 was associated significantly with low histological differentiation of the tumor, deeper tumor invasion, and was more often observed in tumors of colorectal cancer patients with unfavorable prognosis. Thus, matrix metalloproteinase 9 is a valuable marker for clinical observation and prognosis in patients with this location of the tumor process. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 143, No. 4, pp. 434–437, April, 2007     

Serum matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase concentrations in infertile women achieved pregnancy following IVF-ET

PROBLEM: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) play important roles throughout various stages of pregnancy, including embryo implantation, trophoblastic invasion, placentation in early gestation, and cervical dilatation in later gestation, and feto-maternal membrane lysis. It would be beneficial if assessment of serum concentrations of MMP and TIMP could predict successful implantation following in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). This study was performed to compare serum MMP and TIMP concentrations between patients with and without the establishment of pregnancy following ET. METHOD OF STUDY: Ten patients who conceived and 10 patients who did not after IVF-ET were entered in the present study. Only intra-uterine single pregnancies with uneventful courses to term were included in the study subjects. Blood samples were obtained at 7, 14 and 21 days after oocyte retrieval. Serum concentrations of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and TIMP-1 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. These variables were compared with estradiol (E(2)), progesterone (P(4)), and betahCG levels in the patients' sera. Clinical pregnancies were diagnosed only when fetal heartbeat was visualized on ultrasound. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in serum MMP concentrations between the pregnant group and the non-pregnant group. However, serum TIMP-1 concentrations on Days 14 and 21 in the pregnant group were significantly higher than those in non-pregnant group [Day 14: 223.1 +/- 11.9 versus 177.5 +/- 20.6 ng/mL (P = 0.004); Day 21: 215.4 +/- 27.8 versus 181.5 +/- 27.4 ng/mL (P = 0.03)]. Serum TIMP-1 concentrations were also correlated with serum E(2) and P(4) levels (P < 0.0001), but not with those of the MMPs. None of MMP nor TIMP-1 were correlated with serum betahCG level. CONCLUSIONS: It was demonstrated that the patients who successfully conceived after IVF-ET showed significantly higher levels of TIMP-1 at 14 and 21 days after IVF-ET, but not at day 7; further work will be required to determine if serum TIMP-1 can be used to improve prediction of pregnancy outcome in these patients.     

Participation of the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor in Thy-1 nephritis

What influence would be shown in Thy‐1 glomerulonephritis when the synthetic matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor SI‐27 is administered? Five groups of 80 male Wistar rats were studied: healthy group; treated healthy group; nephritic group; pretreated nephritic group; and post‐treated nephritic group. SI‐27 treatment of nephritic animals was initiated either 2 days before or 2 days after anti‐Thy‐1.1 antibody injection. On days 7, 14, 26 and 42 after disease induction, we examined renal histology, extracellular matrix (ECM) constituent, and MMP activity. SI‐27 treated Thy‐1 groups resulted in significant reduction of glomerular cells including α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) positive mesangial cells and suppressed expression of type IV collagen at 7 days. Moreover, type I collagen was also decreased by SI‐27 at 42 days. However, glomerular cell numbers did not show any significant changes at 14, 26 and 42 days. In gelatin zymography, the gelatinolytic band for MMP‐9 was expressed in SI‐27 treated Thy‐1 nephritis groups, although it was not expressed in the nephritic group at day 7. However, the expression of MMP‐9 was no longer seen at 14, 26 and 42 days. The bands for an active form of MMP‐2 were expressed throughout the experimental period in the Thy‐1 nephritic groups. These results suggest that MMP plays an important role in the development of Thy‐1 nephritis, and even if the synthetic MMP inhibitor intercepts the initial increase of glomerular cells and matrices, it does not inhibit recovery to normal glomerular capillary structures in Thy‐1 nephritis.     

大肠癌组织中基质金属蛋白酶-2和基质金属蛋白酶-9的表达

目的：探讨大肠癌组织中基质金属蛋白酶－2（MMP－2）和基质金属蛋白酶－9（MMP－9）的表达与临床病理参数之间的关系。方法：应用免疫组织化学S－P法检测87例大肠癌组织中MMP－2和MMP－9的表达情况。结果：87例大肠癌组织中MMP－2和MMP－9的表达阳性率分别为56．3％和55．2％。MMP－2和MMP－9在侵及肌层的阳性表达率明显低于侵及浆膜层，淋巴结转移阳性组高于淋巴结转移阴性组，差异均有显著性（P＜0．05）。Dukes分期中，C、D期中MMP－2和MMP－9的阳性表达率明显高于A、B期（P＜0．05），而与性别、年龄、肿瘤部位、组织学类型和分化程度均无关（P＞0．05）。结论：MMP－2和MMP－9可能在大肠癌浸润转移过程中发挥重要作用。     

Matrix metalloproteinases 2, 3, 13 and their type 2 tissue inhibitor in tumors and plasma of patients with colorectal cancer

Enzyme immunoassay studies revealed increased content of matrix metalloproteinases 2, 3 and 13 in tumors compared to the adjacent histologically unchanged mucosa in 70–90% patients with colorectal cancer, while the increase in the content of type 2 metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor did not reach the level of statistic significance. Plasma concentrations of these proteins did not correlate with the corresponding values in the tumors and did not surpass the normal levels, while their decrease after removal of the primary tumor was observed only in patients with initially high levels of this parameter. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 145, No. 3, pp. 337–341, March, 2008     

Differential expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 in non-melanoma skin cancer: implications for tumour progression

AIMS: To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 in non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and to compare their expression between different tumour types and with clinicopathological factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: A study of 11 normal skin, 29 Bowen's disease (BD), 40 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 38 basal cell carcinoma (BCC) samples for MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression was carried out using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The expression of all metalloproteinases was greater in tumours than in normal skin. MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was more extensive in the stroma of SCC than of BCC or BD. TIMP-1 expression was greater in the stroma of BCC than of SCC or BD and TIMP-2 expression was greater in the stroma of SCC than of BD. There was a correlation between increased metalloproteinase expression and depth of lesion (MMP-2 and TIMP-2), inflammation (MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) and microvessel density (MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2). CONCLUSIONS: MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 play an important role in the pathogenesis of non-melanoma skin cancer, but differ significantly in their expression levels between the tumour types examined. The immunoexpression of these proteins may be useful indicators of cutaneous cancer invasion and progression.     

New insights into the roles of matrix metalloproteinases in colorectal cancer development and progression

This review outlines new concepts that are emerging for the functions of matrix metalloproteinases in colorectal cancer development and progression. The two main concepts that will be discussed are the role of matrix metalloproteinases in the early stages of colorectal tumour development and the functional mechanisms by which matrix metalloproteinases contribute to colorectal tumour invasion and metastasis. The matrix metalloproteinases are a group of enzymes, which have been best characterized for their ability to degrade extracellular matrix proteins and thus they have been extensively studied in tumour invasion. It is now becoming recognized that the matrix metalloproteinases have key roles in a variety of biological processes that are distinct from their well-defined role in matrix degradation. This group of enzymes has been shown to interact with a broad range of non-matrix proteins including growth factors and their receptors, mediators of apoptosis, and cell adhesion molecules. The elucidation of novel biological roles for the matrix metalloproteinases also challenges the current predominant concept of matrix metalloproteinases as enzymes only involved in matrix degradation. Recent studies have shown that several matrix metalloproteinases, especially matrilysin (MMP-7), interact with the specific molecular genetic and signalling pathways involved in colorectal cancer development. In particular, matrilysin is activated at an early stage of colorectal tumourigenesis by the beta-catenin signalling pathway. Furthermore, studies are now elucidating specific mechanisms by which individual matrix metalloproteinases, especially membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases, interact with specific cell adhesion molecules and cytoskeletal proteins and thus contribute dynamically to colorectal tumour invasion.     

基质金属蛋白酶1、3,基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂1和miR-29在大鼠肺纤维化中及活性维生素D3处理后的表达与作用

目的:探讨大鼠肺纤维化发生发展中基质金属蛋白酶1(MMP1)、MMP3、基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂1(TIMP1)及miR-29的表达和作用以及活性维生素D3[1,25(OH)_2D_3]处理对这些基因表达的影响。方法:雄性SD大鼠随机分为预防组和治疗组。预防组分为对照组Ⅰ、模型组Ⅰ和给药组Ⅰ,治疗组分为对照组Ⅱ、模型组Ⅱ和给药组Ⅱ。模型组Ⅰ/Ⅱ和给药组Ⅰ/Ⅱ经气管注入博莱霉素,对照组Ⅰ/Ⅱ经气管注入生理盐水。预防组和治疗组分别于术后第2和14天腹腔注射给药,给药组给予活性维生素D3,模型组给予活性维生素D3溶剂,对照组给予生理盐水。预防组的各组分别于术后第14、21、28天处死大鼠取材,治疗组的各组分别于术后第21和28天处死大鼠取材。实时定量PCR检测大鼠肺组织中miR-29a及TIMP1 mRNA表达水平,免疫组织化学检测组织中MMP1、MMP3和TIMP1的表达水平。结果:模型组Ⅰ/Ⅱ和给药组Ⅰ/Ⅱ中的MMP1、MMP3和TIMP1的表达均明显高于相同时间点对照组Ⅰ/Ⅱ中的表达,而miR-29a的表达明显低于相应的对照组Ⅰ/Ⅱ;给药组Ⅰ/Ⅱ中MMP1、MMP3和TIMP1的表达均低于相应时间点的模型组Ⅰ/Ⅱ的表达,而给药组Ⅰ/Ⅱ中miR-29a的表达则高于模型组Ⅰ/Ⅱ中的表达。结论:MMP1、MMP3、TIMP1和miR-29在大鼠肺纤维化发生发展中具有重要作用,活性维生素D3可以促进miR-29表达,抑制MMP1、MMP3、TIMP1的表达;可能是通过miR-29调节包括MMP1、MMP3、TIMP1在内的多种靶基因来发挥抑制纤维化的作用。     

Expression profile of mucin-associated sialyl-Tn antigen in Chinese patients with different colorectal lesions (adenomas,carcinomas)

Background: The sialyl-Tn (sTn) antigen is a mucin-associated carbohydrate antigen expressed by numerous human carcinomas, and is also claimed to be a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer. But the associations between sTn and colorectal cancer remain elusive and controversial. Here, we investigated the expression profile of sTn antigen in a series of human colorectal tissue samples including normal colon, colorectal adenomas, and colorectal carcinomas (CRCs), with an aim to analyzing whether sTn plays a role in the progression and development of Chinese patients with CRCs. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining of sTn antigen was performed in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded colonic sections from 4 healthy controls, 44 patients with colorectal adenomas, and 186 patients with primary CRCs. Results: No sTn antigen was detected in normal colonic tissues. There were 41 of 44 patients with colorectal adenomas (93.2%), and 141 of 186 patients with CRCs (75.8%) found to express sTn antigen. The patterns of sTn localization were different in adenomas and carcinomas of colonic tissues. Colorectal adenomas showed predominant supranuclear distribution of sTn antigen, while carcinomas revealed apical membrane, mucin droplet and diffuse cytoplasmic localization. Notably, sTn was significantly associated with the degree of differentiation (P = 0.006) and perineural invasion (P = 0.041) of the tumors, but was independent of age, gender, tumor location, depth of penetration, status of lymph nodes, lymphovascular invasion and TNM stage. Conclusions: These results indicate that sTn may play a role in initiating colorectal carcinogenesis and promoting tumor progression. Determination of sTn expression and localization may assist in evaluating malignant status of colorectal lesions.     

IL-8在大肠癌的表达及意义

目的探讨大肠癌组织IL-8表达及其临床意义。方法用免疫组化SP法测定56例大肠癌组织IL-8表达,分析IL-8表达与大肠癌临床病理因素之间的关系。结果癌组织和癌旁正常组织IL-8表达有显著差异(P<0.05)。癌组织IL-8表达与淋巴结转移、血管侵犯、肝转移及肿瘤病理分期密切相关(P<0.05),与肿瘤部位、肿瘤大小、组织学类型、及患者的性别和年龄等无关(P>0.05)。结论IL-8高表达同大肠癌生物学行为密切相关,可能与大肠癌的发生、发展及预后有关联。     

The matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat inhibits angiogenesis in liver metastases of B16F1 melanoma cells

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been shown to contribute functionally to tumor metastasis. MMP inhibitors are thus being assessed for clinical utility as anti-metastatic therapeutics. Batimastat (BB-94) is a synthetic MMP inhibitor that has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in mice. Here we assessed the ability of batimastat to inhibit liver metastases of murine B16F1 cells, after injection of cells in mice via mesenteric vein to target the liver. We then determined which of the sequential steps in metastasis were affected by batimastat, in order to identify its mechanism of action in vivo. Intravital videomicroscopy was used to assess the effect on extravasation, and a cell accounting procedure was used to determine the effect on initial survival of cells. Stereological quantification of functional blood vessels was used to determine the effect on tumor vascularity, thereby avoiding problems associated with immunohistochemical detection of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. We found that batimastat (50 mg/kg i.p. 5 h prior to and after cell injection, daily thereafter) resulted in a 23% reduction in mean diameter of liver metastases (equivalent to a 54% reduction in tumor volume), while not reducing the number of metastases. Extravasation of cells from the liver circulation was not affected: at 8, 24 and 48 h after injection of cells, the same proportion of cells had extravasated from treated vs. control mice. Batimastat also did not inhibit early survival of cells. However, batimastat-treated mice had a significantly reduced percentage vascular volume within liver metastases, indicating inhibition of angiogenesis. This study demonstrates in vivo that the mechanism by which batimastat limits growth of B16F1 metastases in liver is not by affecting extravasation, but by inhibiting angiogenesis within metastases. This finding suggests that MMP inhibitors may be appropriate for use in patients with metastatic cells that have already extravasated in secondary sites.     

Inhibition of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat

Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis is known to be associated with the increased activity of two gelatinases, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). This study has investigated the effect of a synthetic inhibitor of MMP, batimastat, on the development of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin administration in mice. Animals were intranasally instilled with saline or bleomycin (0.5 mg in 100 microl per mouse). Batimastat (30 mg/kg) or vehicle alone was administered by intraperitoneal injection 24 h and 1 h before saline or bleomycin instillation, and then daily at the same dosage until the end of the study. Fifteen days after bleomycin administration, BAL was performed and the lung was removed. Treatment of mice with batimastat significantly reduced bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis, as shown in the lung by histopathological examination and by a decrease in hydroxyproline levels. Batimastat also prevented the increase in BAL macrophage and lymphocyte numbers, whereas it did not show any effect on the increased expression of active transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in BAL. Batimastat treatment was effective in reducing MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity as well as the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) level in BAL. These results suggest that administration of the MMP inhibitor batimastat is useful in preventing experimental pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin and raises the possibility of a therapeutic approach to human pulmonary fibrotic disease.     

蜕膜组织MMP-9/TIMP-3水平与自然流产关系

目的研究蜕膜组织中MMP-9／TIMP-3之间的平衡与自然流产发生的关系。方法用免疫组化S-P法测定30例自然流产患者与20例正常妊娠者蜕膜组织中MMP-9／TIMP-3的表达。结果研究组蜕膜细胞MMP-9表达阳性率为76．7％，高于对照组(55．0％，P-0．02)，两组蜕膜细胞TIMP-3的表达差异无显著性。结论自然流产患者蜕膜组织中MMP-9的表达增高，TIMP-3表达正常所导致的MMP-9／TIMP-3比例升高，在自然流产的发生中起重要作用。     

Metastatic and non-metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) cells induce host metalloproteinase production in vivo

Numerous studies have demonstrated the persistent localization of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression to the interface between invading human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and surrounding stroma supporting a role for MMPs in CRC invasion and metastasis. The present study sought to determine whether CRC cells of varying metastatic potential would have differential effects on host MMP release. Subcutaneous CRC tumors were generated in BALB/c nude mice using three CRC cell lines: SW480, SW620, and the highly metastatic SW620S5 clone. Representative samples from the subcutaneous CRC were then orthotopically implanted on the cecum of recipient nude mice. Subcutaneous and cecal tumors were analyzed for MMP expression via zymography, western blot, and RT-PCR. In vitro, none of the three cell lines expressed MMP-2 nor MMP-9. In contradistinction, the subcutaneous tumors expressed limited amounts of MMP-2 and MMP-9 while the cecal tumors expressed significant amounts of MMP-2 and MMP-9 as well as other smaller members of the MMP family. MMP-9 mRNA and protein was confirmed as host in origin by RT-PCR with mouse specific primers and a mouse MMP-9 molecular weight of 105 kDa as determined by zymography and western blot analysis. In situ hybridization also localized the mRNA for MMP-9 to the host stromal cells. In conclusion, CRC cells appear incapable of producing MMP-2 and MMP-9 in vitro but are capable of up-regulating host MMP production in vivo. Enhanced host MMP-9 production in metastatic CRC cell-derived subcutaneous and cecal tumors suggests that metastatic colon cells may acquire the expression of important MMP regulating factor(s) in vivo.     

The matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor BB-1101 prevents experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU)

EAU is characterized by breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier and extravasation of leucocytes into retinal tissue leading to destruction of photoreceptor cells. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) have been implicated in trafficking of cells into tissues, but their role in inflammatory eye disease is unclear. A synthetic MMP inhibitor, BB-1101, was administered subcutaneously, from either day 0 or day 7, to Lewis rats challenged with bovine S-antigen to induce EAU. When given up to day 14, BB-1101 reduced the incidence of disease and delayed the day of onset of clinical disease. When administered from day 7 until day 21, EAU was completely abrogated. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay showed an increase of both matrilysin (MMP-7), neutrophil collagenase (MMP-8) and macrophage metalloproteinase (MMP-12) in retinas from EAU animals compared with naive controls. These enzymes are produced by activated leucocytes and act on components of the basement membrane. These results therefore implicate these MMP as integral to the development of pathology in EAU.     

Pathology of the endoscopically removed malignant colorectal polyp

The management of the patient with an endoscopically removed malignant colorectal polyp is predicated on proper handling of the specimen and on the pathologist's histopathological interpretation. The steps of specimen handling are: (1) fixation, (2) gross examination and sectioning, (3) processing, and (4) endoscopic findings and type of removal. The histopathological parameters to be reported on are: (1) the status of the resection margin, (2) the grade of the cancer, and (3) the presence or absence of lymphovascular invasion. Polyps with grade I or II cancer, no lymphovascular invasion and a negative resection margin can be successfully treated by endoscopic polypectomy, whereas those with grade III cancer, lymphovascular invasion, or a positive/close margin require definitive surgical resection subsequent to endoscopic polypectomy. Potentially, new significant parameters for patient management are: (1) depth of invasion, (2) tumour budding, (3) lymphatic vessel density, and (4) cribriform histology. The pathology report must be clear and concise, indicating all relevant important parameters. Finally, the pathologist must differentiate invasive adenocarcinoma from intramucosal adenocarcinoma and ‘pseudoinvasion’.     

Relationship between matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 and IL-5, IL-8 in nasal polyps

BACKGROUND: Nasal polyps (NP), a subgroup of chronic rhinosinusitis, are characterized by interleukin 5 (IL-5) mediated infiltration of eosinophils in sinus mucosa, leading to pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, thickening of the epithelial basement membrane and tissue edema. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) constitute a large group of Zn2+ dependent endopeptidases with the ability to degrade extracellular matrix and are possibly responsible for the development of tissue edema in chronic sinusitis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) mRNA and to locate the distribution of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 by immunohistochemistry in ethmoid sinus mucosa in NP. Furthermore the correlation between IL-5 or IL-8 and MMP-2, MMP-9 or TIMP-1 is examined. METHODS: Nasal polyps of 33 patients and 18 specimens of inferior turbinate mucosa were examined by real time RT-PCR for MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, IL-5 and IL-8 mRNA expression. Immunohistochemical labeling for MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 was performed. RESULTS: Differences between both locations were detectable for MMP-9 (P < 0.001) and IL-5 (P=0.003) but not for MMP-2 (P=0.278), TIMP-1 (P=0.515) and IL-8 (P=0.386). Correlation was detected only between TIMP-1 and IL-5 (r=0.422, P =0.014). Cytoplasmic staining of MMP-2 was present in the apical part of the ciliated cells, submucosal glands and in smooth muscle cells. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 was expressed in surface epithelium, in seromucous glands and in polymorphonuclear cells. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of MMP-9 and IL-5 mRNA are associated with NP. The correlation between IL-5 and TIMP-1 indicates the role of TIMP-1 in maintaining the homeostasis in NP.     

Control of matrix metalloproteinase activity in cancer

Remodelling of extracellular matrix (ECM) and basement membranes is a key component of the process of tumour cell invasion and metastasis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are one of the major classes of enzymes involved in degrading ECM, having different substrate specificities and being inhibited by naturally occurring tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). Elevated levels of MMPs have been associated with poor prognosis for a variety of malignancies. However, the expression and effective action of MMPs are influenced by multiple factors: most are synthesized by stroma rather than tumour cells, suggesting tumour cell–stromal cell co-operation; receptors (MT-MMPs) have to be present on tumour cells for binding and activation of MMP; co-ordination of tissue proteolysis and subsequent integrin binding will aid cell movement through a matrix; integrin receptors can directly moderate the production of MMP. These various components need to be considered when trying to determine the key events regulating matrix proteolysis and hence invasion. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.