Down-regulation of urokinase plasminogen activator and matrix metalloproteinases and up-regulation of their inhibitors by a novel nutrient mixture in human prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 and DU-145

Strong clinical and experimental evidence shows that elevated levels of urokinase plasminogen activators (u-PA) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are associated with prostate cancer progression, metastasis and shortened survival in patients. MMP activities are regulated by specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). A nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid and green tea extract showed anticancer activity against a number of cancer cell lines. Our main objective was to study the effect of NM on the activity of u-PA, MMPs and their inhibitor TIMPs on human prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 and DU-145. Human prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 and DU-145 (ATCC) were grown in MEM media with 10% FBS and antibiotics in 24?well tissue culture plates. At near confluence, the cells were treated with NM at 0-1000?μg/ml in triplicate at each concentration. Analysis of u-PA activity was carried out by fibrin zymography, MMPs by gelatinase zymography and TIMPs by reverse zymography. Both PC-3 and DU-145 prostate cancer cell lines demonstrated u-PA activity (subunits 1 and 2, corresponding to 35 and 33?kDa). Prostate cancer cell line PC-3 secretion of u-PA subunit 1 was decreased by 65% at NM 500?μg/ml and subunit 2 by 100% at NM 50?μg/ml. Prostate cancer cell line DU-145 secretion of u-PA subunit 1 was decreased by 97% at NM 500?μg/ml and subunit 2 by 100% at NM 100?μg/ml. Untreated PC-3 showed two bands for MMP-2 and MMP-9. NM inhibited their expression in a dose-dependent manner. The activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was significantly inhibited at 250?μg/ml with total inhibition at 500?μg/ml. DU-145 cells did not exhibit MMP activity. Activity of TIMPs was up-regulated in both prostate cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Minimum activity was expressed at 50?μg/ml NM and maximum at 1000?μg/ml. Correlation analyses revealed a positive correlation between u-PA and MMPs and a negative correlation between u-PA/MMPs and TIMPs. These results suggest NM as a potential anticancer agent since it targets invasive parameters of prostate cancer.     

In vitro and in vivo antitumorigenic activity of a mixture of lysine, proline, ascorbic acid, and green tea extract on human breast cancer lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7

Current treatments are generally ineffective once breast cancer has metastasized; median survival is reduced to 2–3 yr. Previous research studies demonstrating potent synergistic antitumor activity of lysine, proline, ascorbic acid, and epigallocatechin gallate prompted us to investigate the in vivo inhibitory effect of a nutrient mixture containing lysine, proline, arginine, ascorbic acid, and epigallocatechin gallate (NM) on the growth of human cancer xenografts in female athymic nude mice. Five to six week old female mice were inoculated with 3×10⁶ breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231. After injection, the mice were randomly divided into two groups A and B; group A was fed a regular diet and group B with the regular diet supplemented with 0.5% of the nutrient mixture (NM). Four weeks later, the mice were sacrificed, and their tumors were excised, weighed, and processed for histology. We also tested the effect of NM in vitro on estrogen-receptor positive (ER⁺) MCF-7 and estrogen-receptor negative (ER⁻) MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines by measuring: cell proliferation by MTT assay, expression of MMPs by gelatinase zymography, invasion through Matrigel, and VEGF by ELISA. MCF-7 cells were also treated with estradiol to study enhanced invasion and expression of MMPs and VEGF. Results showed that NM inhibited the growth and reduced the size of tumors in female nude mice by 27%. Furthermore, histological evaluation revealed increased mitotic index, MMP-9 and VEGF secretion, and PAS material (mucin) in the control group tissues. In vitro studies showed NM inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell growth by 34% at 500 μg/mL and MCF-7 cell growth by 18% at 1000 μg/mL. Invasion of MDA-MB-231 through Matrigel was inhibited by 50%, 60%, and 95% by 10, 50, and 100 μg/mL of NM, respectively. The results of this study demonstrated that the nutrient mixture tested significantly suppressed tumor growth of breast cancer cells in female athymic nude mice and significantly inhibited MMP expression, angiogenesis, and invasion in breast cancer cells, in vitro, offering promise for therapeutic use in the treatment of breast cancer.     

Expression and activity of matrix metalloproteases in human malignant mesothelioma cell lines

The extracellular matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) secreted by various human tumor cells play a crucial role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis, but their expression in malignant mesothelioma (MM) cells has not been examined. In this study, we have investigated the spectrum of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs) produced by 8 MM cell lines. Using RT-PCR, we found that all investigated MM cell lines expressed genes encoding mRNA for MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase), MMP-2 (gelatinase A), MMP-3 (stromelysin-1), MMP-9 (gelatinase B) and TIMPs 1, 2 and 3. We also found that 6/8 MM cell lines expressed MMP-7 (matrilysin) and 3/8 MM cell lines expressed MMP-10 (stromelysin-2). MMP-11 (stromelysin-3) was not detected in any of the MM cell lines. Production of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was confirmed using gelatin zymography. In addition, all MM cell lines secreted a 66 kDa metalloprotease, while 3/8 MM cell lines secreted 46, 48, 51 and 63 kDa metalloproteases which specifically degraded the extracellular matrix components fibronectin, vitronectin and laminin. The 66 kDa protease was identified as MMP-3 by Western blot. Our results reveal a broad spectrum of MMPs and TIMPs produced by MM cells and indicate that different substrate specificities of MMPs may play a role in MM cell invasion.     

Anticancer effects of a specific mixture of nutrients in the multidrug-resistant human uterine sarcoma MES-SA/Dx5 and the drug-sensitive MES-SA cell lines

A specific nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid and green tea extract has demonstrated a broad spectrum of antitumor activity against a number of cancer cell lines. In this study, our main objective was to investigate the comparative effects of NM on anticancer parameters, such as cytotoxicity, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion and Matrigel invasion in the human uterine sarcoma drug-resistant MES-SA/Dx5 and the drug-sensitive MES-SA cell lines. In addition we studied the effects of NM on P-glycoprotein (Pgp) on these cell lines. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay, MMPs by gelatinase zymography, invasion through Matrigel, morphology by H&E and Pgp expression by Western blot analysis and immunodetection using FITC-conjugated antibody and rhodamine?123 (Rh123) accumulation and efflux assays. NM exhibited antiproliferative effects on MES-SA/Dx5, by 20% at 50 and 100?μg/ml and by 36, 40 and 48% at 250, 500 and 1,000?μg/ml, respectively. By contrast, NM treatment of MES-SA cells resulted in significantly increased cytotoxicity: 40, 46, 65 and 72% at 50, 100, 500 and 1,000?μg/ml, respectively. In both cell lines, zymography demonstrated a band corresponding to MMP-2 in normal cells and MMP-9 with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate treatment. The two MMPs showed dose-response inhibition by NM. As shown by Western blot analysis and immunodetection, NM treatment resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in Pgp expression in the MES-SA/Dx5 cell line. The MES-SA cell line does not exhibit Pgp. NM enhanced the accumulation and efflux of the Pgp substrate, Rh123, in the MES-SA/Dx5 uterine sarcoma cell line but not in the drug-sensitive cell line, MES-SA. Therefore, it can be concluded that NM demonstrates potent anticancer effects in both the drug-resistant and sensitive cell lines and modulates Pgp, suggesting its potential therapeutic effects in drug-resistant as well as sensitive cancers.     

Enhanced production of matrix metalloproteinases and activation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (gelatinase A) in human gastric carcinomas

We examined the production and tissue localization of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in gastric carcinoma tissues. MMP-I (tissue collagenase), MMP-9 (gelatinase B) and TIMP-2 were immunolocalized in carcinoma cells and MMP-2 (gelatinase A) on tumor cell membranes, whereas no or little immunostaining for MMP-3 (stromelysin-1) and TIMP-I was seen in carcinoma cells. Stromal cells in carcinoma tissue were also positively stained for these MMPs and TIMPs. MMP-2 immunostaining was observed exclusively on advanced gastric carcinoma cells and correlated with vascular invasion by tumor cells. Sandwich enzyme immunoassays revealed enhanced production of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9 and TIMP-I by carcinoma tissues. Gelatinolytic activities were significantly higher in carcinoma samples than in normal controls. Using gelatin zymography, active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were more frequently detected in carcinoma tissue, and the activation rate of the zymogen of MMP-2 (proMMP-2), but not that of proMMP-9, correlated well with degree of local invasion and lymphatic permeation. Our data indicate an enhanced production of 4 MMPs in gastric carcinoma tissue and suggest that activation of pro-MMP-2 may be a key step for spreading of gastric carcinoma cells. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

三维立体培养中H460细胞MMP-2、MMP-9的表达

目的:建立肺癌细胞的三维立体培养模型,测定肺癌细胞在三维立体培养中的基质金属蛋白酶(MMPs)的表达,研究MMPs在肺癌侵袭与转移中的作用.方法:采用非小细胞肺癌H460细胞系建立肺癌细胞三维立体培养模型,观察癌细胞的生长,同时设置平面培养对照组,用明胶酶谱法测定两组不同时间点MMP-2、MMP-9.结果:H460细胞在立体胶原内生长良好,分泌有MMP-2、MMP-9,且分泌量多于平面培养组.结论:三维立体培养肺癌细胞能清晰地表达MMPs,是研究MMPs在癌细胞的侵袭与转移作用机制的一种可行方法.     

Inhibition of cell invasion and MMP production by a nutrient mixture in malignant liposarcoma cell line SW-872

Liposarcoma, a malignancy of fat cells, is the most common soft tissue sarcoma. Though rare, poorly differentiated liposarcomas commonly metastasize to lungs and liver, leading to poor prognosis. Prevention of Extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation by inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity has been shown to be a promising therapeutic approach to inhibition of cancer progression. A nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, proline, ascorbic acid, and green tea extract has shown significant anticancer activity against a number of cancer cell lines. We investigated the effect of NM on liposarcoma cell line SW-872 proliferation (MTT assay), MMP secretion (gelatinase zymography), invasion through Matrigel, and apoptosis and morphology (live green caspase kit and H&E). Liposarcoma cell growth was inhibited by 36 and 61% at 500 and 1,000 μg/ml NM. Zymography demonstrated both MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion, with PMA-enhanced MMP-9 activity. NM inhibited both MMPs with virtual total inhibition at 500 μg/ml NM. Invasion through Matrigel was inhibited at 100, 500, and 1,000 μg/ml by 44, 75, and 100%, respectively. Dose-dependent apoptosis of liposarcoma cells was evident with NM challenge, with virtually all cells exposed to 1,000 μg/ml NM in late apoptosis. H&E staining did not demonstrate any changes in morphology at lower concentrations. However, some apoptotic changes were evident at higher concentrations. In conclusion, NM significantly inhibited liposarcoma cell growth, MMP activity, and invasion and induced apoptosis in vitro—important parameters for cancer development, suggesting NM as a potential treatment strategy for liposarcoma.     

Correlation between MMPs and their inhibitors in breast cancer tumor tissue specimens and in cell lines with different metastatic potential

Background  

The metastatic disease rather than the primary tumor itself is responsible for death in most solid tumors, including breast cancer. The role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) and Reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) in the metastatic process has previously been established. However, in all published studies only a limited number of MMPs/MMP inhibitors was analyzed in a limited number of cell lines. Here, we propose a more comprehensive approach by analyzing the expression levels of several MMPs (MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-14) and MMP inhibitors (TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and RECK) in different models (five human breast cancer cell lines, 72 primary breast tumors and 30 adjacent normal tissues).     

Enhanced expression and activation of major matrix metalloproteinases in distinct topographic areas of invasive breast carcinomas

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in events related to tumor cell invasion and growth. Therefore, we examined tumor tissue samples from 12 individuals with invasive breast cancer for the expression and localization of MMP-1, -2, -3 and -9. These were detected by immunohistochemistry. Simultaneously in this material the matrix-degrading enzyme activity was tested by in situ zymography. Additionally, we used a spheroid model of two breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435) for MMP-expression and activity by immunohistochemistry and in situ zymography. Semi-quantitative investigation of various MMPs by immunohistochemistry in tissue samples revealed higher expression levels at the tumor periphery where tumor cells grow less compact when compared to compact tumor cell complexes as in the center of the tumors. In situ gelatinolytic activity paralleled these observations showing pronounced activity at the tumor periphery when compared to tumor centers. Similarly, tumor cell spheroids of two cell lines had higher gelatinolytic activity in less densely growing tumor cell groups than in the more densely growing ones. Our study provides considerable evidence that expression and activation of major MMPs is dependent on tumor cell density. This has a major impact on the biological behavior of tumor cells such as invasion and metastasis.     

Effect of phorbol ester and cytokines on matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase expression in tumor and normal cell lines.

The effect of the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and the cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and metalloproteinase inhibitors was studied in a variety of human cell lines. Expression of the mammalian collagenase (MMP-1), 72-kD gelatinase/type IV collagenase (MMP-2), stromelysin (MMP-3), 92-kD gelatinase/type IV collagenase (MMP-9), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) was assessed by zymography and Northern blot analysis. MMP-2 and TIMP-2 activities were refractory to TPA, IL-1 and TNF-alpha treatment in most of the cell lines. In contrast, MMP-3, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 activities were markedly stimulated by TPA in most of the tumor cell lines and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), whereas the fibroblast lines were minimally stimulated or unresponsive to TPA. The MMP-3, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 stimulation in response to IL-1 and TNF-alpha treatment was detected in some of the tumor cell lines and HUVEC. The increase in activity was less marked than in TPA. A breast carcinoma cell line, MDA-MB-231, which did not express MMP-2, had high expression of MMP-3 and MMP-9 which were unaffected by TPA and cytokine treatment. Northern blot analysis of MMP and TIMP mRNA expression reflected the zymogram findings for most of the cell lines. TPA-mediated stimulation of MMP-1 was similar to that of MMP-3 and MMP-9. Exceptions were the fibroblast cell lines which showed either a much more marked mRNA response of MMP-9 to TPA than observed at protein level, or a high constitutive MMP-9 mRNA when MMP-9 activity was not detectable by zymography. TPA-mediated stimulation of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 activity was blocked by staurosporine, an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC). A non-PKC-activating phorbol ester, 4 alpha-phorbol-12,13-didecanoate, did not stimulate MMP-9 and TIMP-1 activity. TPA treatment caused the increased expression of c-fos containing AP-1-specific binding activity in selected tumor cell lines. This activity was maximal at 6 h. An association was observed between AP-1 binding activity and increased expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9, which possess TPA-responsive elements (TRE). TPA-sensitive MMPs and TIMP-1 were variably stimulated by biologically relevant cytokines, such as IL-1 and TNF-alpha.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Assay of matrix metalloproteinases types 1, 2, 3 and 9 in breast cancer.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc dependent endopeptidases implicated in cancer invasion and metastasis. Gelatin zymography was performed on 84 human breast carcinomas and seven normal breast tissues. The precursor form of MMP-2 (72 kDa) was found in 11 (12%) samples, while its two activated forms, i.e. 62 kDa and 59 kDa, were found in three (6%) and 34 (40%) samples respectively. In contrast to MMP-2, most of the samples (52%) contained MMP-9 in its precursor form. Using ELISA, MMP-1 levels were found in 12% of the samples while MMP-3 levels were found in only 2% of the samples. Levels of MMP-2, -3 and -9 correlated inversely with numbers of nodal metastases. Neither MMP-2 nor -9 levels were significantly related to patient outcome. However, patients with high levels of a 50-kDa gelatinase band after zymography had a significantly better survival than patients with low levels. This species was never observed in normal breast tissue.     

Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits events related with the metastatic process in breast tumor cell lines

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an adrenal hormone, has a protective role against cancer. We previously shown that DHEA inhibits the proliferation and migration of cell lines derived from breast cancer; however, the role of DHEA in others events related with these effects are unknown. We hypothesized that DHEA inhibits the expression of proteins and some events related with cell migration and metastasis. We determined the migration in Boyden chambers, the invasion in matrigel, anchorage-independent growth and the formation of spheroids in 3 cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, ZR-75-30) derived from breast cancer exposed to DHEA. The secretion of metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and several pro-inflammatory molecules in the secretome of these cells was also evaluated. DHEA inhibited the migration in transwells and the invasion in matrigel of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Besides, DHEA inhibited the anchorage-independent growth on agar and decreased the size of spheroids, and also reduced the secretion of IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in all cell lines. Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) secretion was slightly decreased by DHEA treatment in MDA-MB-231 cells. Our results also showed that inhibition of migration and invasion induced by DHEA in breast cancer cells is correlated with the decrease of cytokine/chemokine secretion and the diminution of tumor cells growth. MCF-7 cells were the most responsive to the exposure to DHEA, whereas ZR-75-30 cells responded less to this hormone, suggesting that DHEA could be used in the treatment of breast cancer in early stages.     

Prominent expression of metalloproteinases in early stages of ovarian tumorigenesis

The role for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in tumor cells invasion and metastasis is well established, and expression of MMPs is recognized as an indication of tumor cell malignancy. Previous studies suggest that the degradation of the basement membrane is a crucial early step in epithelial transformation and ovarian tumorigenesis. Thus, MMPs may also express and exert a role in preneoplastic lesions of ovarian tissues. We investigated the expression of the major metalloproteinases, gelatinase A, 72 kDa type IV collagenase (MMP-2), and gelatinase B, 92 kDa type IV collagenase (MMP-9), and the presence of basement membrane in ovarian tumors and tissues from prophylactic oophorectomies using immunostaining. MMP expression was also characterized in a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines and several nontumorigenic ovarian surface epithelial primary cells by zymography, Northern, and Western blots. We found, surprisingly, that MMP-2 and MMP-9 are expressed more frequently in early lesions than in established carcinomas. No correlation was found between the expression of MMPs and tumor grades or stages. In preneoplastic lesions, MMP-2 or MMP-9 expression often associates with the absence of basement membrane and morphological alterations. MMP-2 is often expressed in nontumorigenic ovarian surface epithelial cells but reduced or absent in cancer cells. Thus, we conclude that MMPs expression does not correlate with the malignancy of ovarian epithelial cells as generally thought. Rather, increased metalloproteinase expression is an early event in ovarian tumorigenesis and associates with the loss of epithelial basement membrane and morphological transformation. We propose that the increased MMP activity is an etiological factor for ovarian cancer risk. We found that MMPs expression does not correlate with the malignancy of ovarian epithelial cells as generally thought. Rather, increased metalloproteinase expression is an early event in ovarian tumorigenesis. The finding suggests roles of MMP in tumor initiation in addition to invasion, and may impact on the strategy for use of MMP inhibitors in cancer prevention.     

The alpha 3 beta 1 integrin is associated with mammary carcinoma cell metastasis, invasion, and gelatinase B (MMP-9) activity

The alpha 3 beta 1 integrin is elevated in several types of metastatic tumor and has been associated with increased migration and invasion. Our analysis of a series of mammary carcinomas of different histotypes and their corresponding metastases demonstrated significantly increased expression of alpha 3 beta 1 in the tumor metastases. We therefore studied alpha 3 beta 1 expression of several human breast carcinoma cell lines and its association with the invasive phenotype. The MDA-MB-231 cell line expressed high levels of the beta1, alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 5, and alpha 6 integrin subunits along with moderate levels of the alpha v beta 3 integrin. This line was highly migratory and the most invasive using a chemo-invasion assay. In contrast, the other lines tested, MDA-MB-145, MCF-7, and SK-BR-3, showed lower migratory and invasive activity and reduced alpha 3 integrin subunit expression. Metalloproteases capable of degrading collagen IV are necessary for the invasive process. RT-PCR showed that MDA-MB-231 cells expressed MMP-9, but not MMP-2, gelatinase/collagenase IV. Gelatin zymography demonstrated that invading MDA-MB-231 cells released high levels of MMP-9 gelatinase activity. A direct role for this gelatinase in MDA-MB-231 cell invasion was confirmed by inhibition of invasion using the metalloprotease inhibitor Batimastat. Treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells with a function-blocking anti-alpha 3 antibody strongly inhibited migration and invasion. This correlated with a marked reduction in MMP-9 activity produced by MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting a role for alpha 3 beta 1 ligand binding in cell signaling and regulation of extracellular matrix degradation.     

In vivo and in vitro antitumor effect of ascorbic acid, lysine, proline, arginine, and green tea extract on human fibrosarcoma cells HT-1080

Current treatment of fibrosarcoma, an aggressive cancer of the connective tissue, is generally associated with poor prognosis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and constituents of the extracellular matrix (ECM), such as fibronectin, play a critical role in angiogenesis and underlie neoplastic invasion and metastasis. This and anticancer properties of lysine, proline, arginine, ascorbic acid, and green tea extract (NM) prompted us to investigate the effect of these nutrients in vitro on human fibrosarcoma cells HT-1080 by measuring cell proliferation, modulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and invasive potential. In vivo, we studied the growth of human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cells in athymic nude mice and the expression of MMPs and VEGF. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay, MMP expression by gelatinase zymography, and invasion through Matrigel and migration by scratch assay. Tumors were excised, weighed, and processed for histology in both the control and nutrient-supplemented groups. Results showed NM inhibited the growth and reduced the size of tumors in nude mice; decreased MMP-9 and VEGF secretion was found in the suplemented group tissues. NM inhibited invasion through Matrigel and migration with total inhibition at 1000 μg/mL. These results offer promise in the therapeutic use of the nutrient mixture of lysine, proline, arginine, ascorbic acid, and green tea extract tested in the treatment of fibrosarcoma.     

Presence of active gelatinases in endometrial carcinoma and correlation of matrix metalloproteinase expression with increasing tumor grade and invasion

BACKGROUND: The actions of the extracellular-matrix degrading enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), are implicated in tumorigenesis. The cellular localization of MMP-2, MMP-9, membrane type 1 (MT1)-MMP, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) 1-3, and the presence of active gelatinases were investigated in endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: Endometrial carcinomas were grouped according to histologic grade (Grades 1-3), depth of myometrial invasion (0, < 50%, > 50%) and the presence of vascular/lymphatic invasion. Twenty-nine endometrial carcinoma biopsies were investigated immunohistochemically to determine the tissue localization of MMP-2 (gelatinase A), MMP-9 (gelatinase B), MT1-MMP, and TIMPs 1-3. In situ hybridization was performed to localize MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA. The presence of active gelatinases was assessed using in situ zymography. RESULTS: Epithelial tumor cells were the main site of MMP-2, MMP-9, and MT1-MMP protein. Variable stromal cell localization was also observed, particularly in areas adjacent to tumor nests. Semiquantitative analysis revealed increases in MMP-9 and MMP-2 but not MT1-MMP staining scores in tumor epithelial cells in the transition from histologic Grade 1 to Grades 2 and 3. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and MT1-MMP staining scores in tumor cells were significantly associated with the presence of myometrial invasion and vascular/lymphatic invasion, while MMP-2 did not correlate with these factors. In addition, MT1-MMP was co-localized with MMP-2, supporting its role in the activation of proMMP-2. Tumor cells from all histologic grades stained intensely for TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 proteins, while variable stromal staining was observed. In Grade 1 carcinomas TIMP-1 was predominantly immunolocalized to the stromal compartment with variable tumor cell localization being observed in Grades 2 and 3 carcinomas. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and MMP-2 mRNAs were predominantly observed in tumor epithelial cells as well as in the stroma to varying degrees. In situ zymography revealed active forms of gelatinases at the cellular surface and in association with tumor epithelial cells within endometrial carcinoma tissues. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that increasing expression of MMPs and endometrial carcinoma progression are closely related. Active gelatinases are present in endometrial carcinoma, resulting in alterations to the microenvironment that promote tumor invasion and metastasis.     

Anticancer effect of lysine, proline, arginine, ascorbic acid and green tea extract on human renal adenocarcinoma line 786-0

Five-year survival is limited to 60% in renal cancer patients at diagnosis. Due to the cancer's resistance to conventional treatments and associated high morbidity, we investigated the antimetastatic effects of a specific nutrient mixture (NM) containing lysine, proline, arginine, ascorbic acid and green tea extract on human renal adenocarcinoma cell line 786-0 by measuring: cell proliferation, modulation of MMP-2 and -9 secretion, and cancer cell invasive potential. Human renal cancer cell line 786-0 (ATCC) was grown in RPMI medium in 24-well tissue culture plates. At near confluence, the cells were treated with NM, dissolved in media, and tested at 0, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 microg/ml in triplicate at each dose. Cells were also treated with PMA 200 ng/ml to study enhanced MMP-9 activity. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay, MMP secretion by gelatinase zymography, and invasion through Matrigel. Zymography demonstrated MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion by uninduced renal cancer cells with enhanced MMP-9 induced by PMA (200 ng/ml) treatment. NM inhibited the secretion of both MMPs in a dose-dependent fashion with virtual total inhibition of MMP-2 at 500-microg/ml concentration and MMP-9 at 100 microg/ml. The invasion of renal cancer cells through Matrigel was totally inhibited (p=0.0001) by NM at 1000 microg/ml concentration. Our results support a potential role for the nutrient mixture tested in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, by inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion and invasion.     

Intracellular localization of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in cultured tumor cell lines: flow cytometric analysis

Coordinate cell-surface expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) on cancer cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and cancer-associated myofibroblasts has been shown to play an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis in organ tissues. However, precise localization of tumor cell lines in vitro has remained obscure. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial localization of these proteolytic enzymes in 21 tumor cell lines consisting of 8 gastric, 4 pancreatic, 2 gallbladder, 1 extrahepatic bile duct cancer and 6 T- or B-cell tumors. The cell-surface and/or intracellular localization of MMP-2, -7, and -9, membrane type-1 (MT1)-MMP and TIMP-2 and -4 was quantitatively determined by flow cytometry in living (non-permeabilized) and permeabilized tumor cell lines. As a result, all of the tumor cell lines showed a high level of intracellular expression, but a low or undetectable level of cell-surface expression of MMPs and TIMPs. The findings revealed that intracellular MMPs and TIMPs in tumor cell lines were preserved as latent pro-enzymes.