Expression of metalloproteinases and its inhibitor in later stage of rabbit neointima development

Neointima formation after arterial de-endothelialization refers not only to smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and proliferation, but also involves extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism. Most studies regarding the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in neointima have focused on the early phase of vascular remodeling. In this study, we examined the expression of MMP and TIMP in rabbit aortic neointima at a relatively late stage of lesion development, between 4 and 12 weeks after initial de-endothelialization. Northern blot analysis revealed expression of steady-state MMP-9 mRNA was increased up to the 4th week and MMP-2 mRNA to the 12th week after de-endothelialization. In situ hybridization shown that MMP positive cells were predominantly distributed in arterial neointima. Expression of TIMP-1 mRNA was continuously up-regulated up to the 12th week and TIMP-1 positive cells, primarily SMCs, were also localized to the neointimal tissue. Alteration at mRNA level was accompanied by that at protein level, as assessed by SDS-PAGE zymography for MMPs and immunoblotting for TIMP-1. The profile of alteration at protein level correlated well with that at mRNA level. These data suggest that synthesis of MMPs and TIMP is a prolonged process and arterial SMC is a major source of MMP production in arterial neointima. Enhanced synthesis of MMPs and TIMPs at late stage of neointimal development may contribute to arterial ECM metabolism.     

Expression of MMP2, MMP9, MT1-MMP, TIMP1, and TIMP2 mRNA in valvular lesions of the heart

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) play an important role in several diseases. This study was undertaken to investigate the mRNA synthesis of MMP2, MMP9, membrane-type 1 (MT1)-MMP, and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors TIMP1 and TIMP2 by in situ hybridization in a set of heart mitral and aortic valves operatively removed due to degenerative or inflammatory valvular diseases. The material consisted of 21 valves, eight with endocarditis and 13 with a degenerative valvular disease. The samples were studied by in situ hybridization with specific probes for MMP2, MMP9, MT1-MMP, TIMP1, and TIMP2. Synthesis of MMP2 mRNA was found in seven valves, five with endocarditis and two with degenerative valvular disease. Signals for MMP9 mRNA were found in two cases with endocarditis and five cases with degenerative valvular disease. No signal for MT1-MMP mRNA was found in the lesions. TIMP1 mRNA, on the other hand, was found in 17 cases, both endocarditis and degenerative valvular disease. TIMP2 mRNA was found in three cases of endocarditis. The signals for MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1, and TIMP2 mRNA were localized in endothelial cells and in fibroblast-like cells expressing alpha-smooth muscle actin, thus showing myofibroblast-type differentiation. The results show that matrix metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9, and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors TIMP1 and TIMP2 mRNAs are synthesized in diseased valves and suggest that they may contribute to matrix remodelling in valvular disease.     

Plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in chronic urticaria patients correlate with disease severity and C‐reactive protein but not with circulating histamine‐releasing factors

Background Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) is an endopeptidase produced by many inflammatory cells that has been found in increased amounts in plasma from patients with chronic urticaria (CU). Objective To evaluate plasma levels of MMP‐9 and its tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) in CU patients in relation with disease severity, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and circulating histamine‐releasing factors. Methods Fifty‐two consecutive CU patients were included in the study and disease activity was graded from 0 to 3. Plasma MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and CRP levels were measured by enzyme immunoassays. Circulating histamine‐releasing factors were assessed using in vivo (autologous serum skin test) and in vitro (basophil histamine release) tests. Seven CU patients were studied both during active disease and during remission. Thirty healthy subjects were used as normal controls. Results Plasma levels of MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and CRP were significantly higher in CU patients than in healthy controls (P=0.0001, 0.003 and 0.005, respectively) and a trend towards a higher MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 molar ratio was found (P=0.051). A significant correlation was found between plasma MMP‐9 levels and urticaria severity score (r=0.48, P<0.0001). CRP levels correlated with MMP‐9 levels (r=0.37, P=0.008) and CU severity score (r=0.52, P=0.0001), but not with TIMP‐1 (r=0.13) concentrations. MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and CRP plasma levels and MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 molar ratio did not differ in patients either with or without an evidence of circulating histamine‐releasing factors. Seven patients evaluated during remission showed a significant reduction of MMP‐9 and CRP plasma levels. Conclusion Plasma levels of MMP‐9 and its inhibitor TIMP‐1 are increased in CU patients. MMP‐9 levels are associated with disease severity and CRP levels, but not with skin reactivity to autologous serum and with circulating histamine‐releasing factors. These findings suggest that in CU there is an ongoing inflammatory process independent of the presence of circulating histamine‐releasing factors.     

MT2‐MMP Expression During Early Avian Morphogenesis

Membrane‐type 2 matrix metalloproteinase (MT2‐MMP; also called MMP15) is a membrane‐bound protease that degrades extracellular matrix and activates proMMPs such as proMMP‐2. MMP‐2 expression in avian embryos is well documented, but it is not clear how proMMP‐2 is activated during avian embryogenesis. Herein, we report that MT2‐MMP mRNA is expressed in several tissues including the neural folds and epidermal ectoderm, intermediate mesoderm, pharyngeal arches, limb buds, and dermis. Several, but not all, of these tissues are known to express MMP‐2. These observations suggest MT2‐MMP may play a role during embryonic development not only through its own proteolytic activity but also by activating proMMP‐2. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Am80抑制血管内皮细胞增殖和血管新生内膜形成的机制研究

目的:探讨维甲酸衍生物Am80抑制血管内皮细胞增殖和大鼠颈总动脉内皮剥脱术后新生内膜增生的机制。方法:用不同浓度Am80处理EA-hy926细胞24 h后,应用细胞计数和MTS细胞活力分析检测细胞的增殖情况;将Am80处理的细胞进行PI染色,用流式细胞术检测细胞周期的变化情况;通过real-time PCR方法分析Am80处理后EA-hy926细胞中cyclin B1、P21和基质金属蛋白酶(MMP)-2表达的变化;制备SD大鼠颈总动脉内皮球囊损伤模型,通过HE和免疫组化染色方法,观察Am80对球囊损伤后新生内膜形成的影响。结果:细胞计数和MTS细胞活力分析结果显示,Am80以浓度依赖性方式抑制EA-hy926血管内皮细胞增殖;流式细胞分析显示,Am80可使EA-hy926细胞周期停滞在G2/S期;real-time PCR结果表明,Am80处理后,EA-hy926细胞中P21表达上调,cyclin B1和MMP-2表达水平降低;内皮损伤动物模型结果显示,Am80处理后新生内膜的形成受到显著抑制。结论:Am80可通过促进P21而抑制cyclin B1表达,从而抑制血管内皮细胞增殖和血管新生内膜的形成。     

牙周炎牙龈组织MMP-2、TIMP-1的免疫组化研究

目的　探讨来源于宿主的基质金属蛋白酶MMPs及其抑制因子在牙周炎发病中的作用机制。方法　本研究利用免疫组化方法检测 15例牙周炎患者牙龈组织中和 4例健康牙龈中基质金属蛋白酶 2(MMP 2 )、组织抑制因子 1(TIMP 1)的蛋白表达。结果　 15例成人牙周炎组牙龈组织中MMP 2在上皮内及上皮下的炎性组织中均有阳性表达 ,而且阳性率明显高于正常牙龈 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;TIMP 1在牙周炎以及正常的牙龈组织中表达无明显差异。结论　本研究提示基质金属蛋白酶MMP 2参与牙周组织破坏过程 ,参与牙周炎的病理生理机制     

Over‐expression of prothymosin‐α antagonizes TGFβ signalling to promote the development of emphysema

Emphysema, a major consequence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by the permanent airflow restriction resulting from enlargement of alveolar airspace and loss of lung elasticity. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) signalling regulates the balance of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)/tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) to control matrix homeostasis. Patients with COPD have dysregulated TGFβ signalling and reduced histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity through epigenetic up‐regulation of histone acetylation in the promoters of pro‐inflammatory genes. However, the potential link between decreased HDAC activity and dysregulated TGFβ signalling in emphysema pathogenesis remains to be determined. Prothymosin α (ProT), a highly conserved acidic nuclear protein, plays a role in the acetylation of histone and non‐histone proteins. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that ProT inhibits TGFβ–Smad signalling through Smad7, thereby contributing to emphysema pathogenesis. We show that ProT enhances Smad7 acetylation by decreasing its association with HDAC and thereby down‐regulates TGFβ–Smad signalling. ProT caused an imbalance between MMP and TIMP through acetylated Smad7 in favour of MMP expression. In addition to interfering with R‐Smad activation and targeting receptors for degradation in the cytoplasm, acetylated Smad7 potentiated by ProT competitively antagonized binding of the pSmad2/3–Smad4 complex to the TIMP‐3 promoter, resulting in reduced TIMP‐3 expression. These effects were detected in ProT‐over‐expressing cells, lungs of ProT transgenic mice displaying an emphysema phenotype and in emphysema patients. Importantly, increased Smad7 and reduced TIMP‐3 were found in the lungs of emphysema patients and mice with cigarette smoke extract (CSE)‐induced emphysema. Such effects could be abrogated by silencing endogenous ProT expression. Collectively, our results uncover acetylated Smad7 regulated by ProT as an important determinant in dysregulated TGFβ signalling that contributes to emphysema pathogenesis. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

MT1‐MMP recognition by ERM proteins and its implication in CD44 shedding

Membrane type 1‐matrix metalloproteinase (MT1‐MMP) is a key enzyme involved in tumor cell invasion by shedding their cell‐surface receptor CD44 anchored with F‐actin through ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) proteins. We found the cytoplasmic tail of MT1‐MMP directly binds the FERM domain of radixin, suggesting F‐actin‐based recruitment of MT1‐MMP to CD44 for invasion. Our crystal structure shows that the central region of the MT1‐MMP cytoplasmic tail binds subdomain A of the FERM domain, and makes an antiparallel β‐β interaction with β2A‐strand. This binding mode is distinct from the previously determined binding mode of CD44 to subdomain C. We showed that radixin simultaneously binds both MT1‐MMP and CD44, indicating ERM protein‐mediated colocalization of MT1‐MMP and its substrate CD44 and anchoring to F‐actin. Our study implies that ERM proteins contribute toward accelerated CD44 shedding by MT1‐MMP through ERM protein‐mediated interactions between their cytoplasmic tails.     

腱止点过度使用性损伤形成过程中细胞外基质的调节机制

文题释义：腱止点：指肌腱附着于骨的附丽部位,又称骨腱结合部。 过度使用性损伤：用次最大负荷反复刺激骨骼肌肉系统,且休息时间不足以使骨骼肌肉系统的结构产生适应,则会发生过度使用性损伤。 背景：过度使用性腱病多发,但目前还没有理想的治疗手段,这是由于腱病的发生机制尚不清楚。 目的：拟通过髌骨髌腱结合部过度使用性损伤模型,探讨负荷积累过程中,影响胶原合成的酶对胶原Ⅰ、胶原Ⅲ代谢的影响。 方法：32只雌性成年新西兰大白兔随机分为跳跃组(n=16)和对照组(n=16)。跳跃组分别进行2,4,6,8周跳跃训练、150次/d,5 d/周,建立兔髌骨髌腱结合部过度使用性损伤模型;对照组为空白对照。2组兔分别在跳跃组训练2,4,6,8周的最后一次训练结束后24 h,进行双侧髌骨髌腱复合体取样。通过免疫组织化学测定基质金属蛋白酶1、组织金属蛋白酶抑制剂(TIMP1)、胶原Ⅰ、Ⅲ的时序性变化。实验方案经北京体育大学动物实验伦理委员会批准(批准号BSU2015022)。 结果与结论：①基质金属蛋白酶1的活性在训练前6周均显著低于对照组,TIMP1的活性在训练4-8周均显著高于对照组,TIMP1/MMP1在4-8周的训练中均显著高于对照组;②训练的前6周胶原Ⅰ的表达均显著高于对照组;训练8周后胶原Ⅲ的表达显著低于对照组;③结果说明,髌骨髌腱结合部在跳跃负荷积累过程中主要通过增加胶原Ⅰ的表达应对负荷刺激。在负荷积累前2周主要通过抑制基质金属蛋白酶1的活性,增加胶原Ⅰ的表达;负荷积累4-6周主要通过上调TIMP1的活性,抑制基质金属蛋白酶1的活性,增加胶原Ⅰ的表达;负荷积累8周后,TIMP1促进胶原合成的作用不足以拮抗基质金属蛋白酶1降解胶原Ⅰ、Ⅲ的作用,胶原Ⅰ的表达从训练6周后的峰值水平下降到对照组水平,胶原Ⅲ降到低于对照组水平。 ORCID: 0000-0001-6541-558X(陈晓蓝) 中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：组织构建;骨细胞;软骨细胞;细胞培养;成纤维细胞;血管内皮细胞;骨质疏松;组织工程     

Physical training improves visceral adipose tissue health by remodelling extracellular matrix in rats with estrogen absence: a gene expression analysis

Adipose tissue development is associated with modifications involving extracellular matrix remodelling, and metalloproteinases play a significant role in this process. Reduced circulating sexual hormones cause impacts on the size, morphology and functions of the adipose tissue, increasing susceptibility to diseases. This study investigated whether exercise training may be an alternative strategy to combat the effects promoted by estrogen decay through modulation in gene expression patterns in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of visceral adipose tissue of ovariectomized rats. Nulliparous rats (n = 40) were randomly distributed into four groups (n = 10/group): sham sedentary (Sh‐S), sham resistance training (Sh‐Rt), ovariectomized sedentary (Ovx‐S) and ovariectomized resistance training (Ovx‐Rt). The Sh‐S animals did not have any type of training. The body mass and food intake, ECM gene expression, gelatinase MMP‐2 activity and adipocyte area were measured. A lack of estrogen promoted an increase in body mass, food intake and the visceral, parametrial and subcutaneous adipocyte areas. The ovariectomy upregulated the expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, TGF‐β, CTGF, VEGF‐A and MMP‐2 activity. On the other hand, resistance training decreased the body mass, food intake and the adipocyte area of the three fat depots analysed; upregulated TIMP‐1, VEGF‐A and MMP‐2 gene expression; downregulated MMP‐9, TGF‐β and CTGF gene expression; and decreased the MMP‐2 activity. We speculate that resistance training on a vertical ladder could play an important role in maintaining and remodelling ECM by modulation in the ECM gene expression and MMP‐2 activity, avoiding its destabilization which is impaired by the lack of estrogen.     

强力霉素影响基质金属蛋白酶活性和血管重构的实验研究

目的：观察强力霉素对损伤动脉组织中基质金属蛋白酶（MMP）活性的抑制作用，并探讨强力霉素对血管平滑肌细胞增殖、动脉内膜增生、管腔重构的影响。方法:球囊导管扩张动脉的方法建立大鼠颈总动脉损伤模型。治疗组用强力霉素30 mg·kg^-1·d^-1干预。明胶酶谱法测定损伤动脉组织中MMPs的活性。用HE染色、VVG染色、免疫组化标记α-actin和增殖细胞核抗原的方法观察损伤动脉内膜厚度、管腔重构及平滑肌细胞增殖的情况。结果:①强力霉素治疗组MMP-9活性在术后24 h、3 d分别比对照组低26.3％、34.5％（P<0.01）；MMP-2活性在术后7 d比对照组低40.0％（P<0.01）。②强力霉素治疗使术后7 d内膜平滑肌细胞增殖率（43.23％±1.06％）显著低于对照组（62.76％±1.02％）（P<0.01）；使术后14 d、28 d新生内膜厚度比对照组分别少32.0％、38.8％（P<0.01），而管腔面积比对照组多58.0％、90.4％（P<0.01） 。结论：强力霉素可以显著降低血管损伤后MMPs活性，抑制内膜平滑肌细胞的增殖、新生内膜增生以及管腔重构，提示它可能具有防治PTCA术后再狭窄的作用。     

滋养层细胞侵入相关基因在先兆子痫胎盘中的表达

探讨与滋养层侵入有关的细胞外基质分子相关基因在先兆子痫胎盘中的表达，采用分别点样有220余种人细胞因子相关基因和人类激素相关基因cDNA片段的两款基因芯片，检测经过严格配伍的先兆子痫和正常胎盘组织的基因表达谱差异。结果显示：钙粘蛋白、胶原、整合素、选择蛋白等18种细胞外基质分子基因的表达在先兆子痫和正常胎盘组织间相差2倍以上，且全部表现为在先兆子痫胎盘中的表达增强。先兆子痫患者的胎盘组织中基质金属蛋白酶(MMP)-10、-13、-15和金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子(TIMP)-2、TIMP-3、纤溶酶原、纤溶酶原激活物等的表达均较正常者高。提示胎盘中细胞外基质分子及其降解酶基因表达异常可能与先兆子痫的病理发生关系密切。     

黄芪多糖对颈椎病模型大鼠颈椎间盘纤维环MMP2和MMP9表达的影响

目的:探究黄芪多糖(AP)对颈椎病模型大鼠颈椎间盘纤维环中基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP2)和MMP9表达的影响。方法:建立动静力失衡性颈椎间盘退变大鼠模型,将造模成功大鼠随机分为模型组(M组)及AP低、高剂量处理组(L-AP组和H-AP组),以假手术组大鼠作为阴性对照组(NC组),另取各组大鼠颈椎间盘纤维环组织细胞进行原代细胞培养。应用HE染色和藏红O染色进行组织学分析。应用免疫组织化学染色、Western blot和RT-qPCR法检测MMP2、MMP9、金属蛋白酶组织抑制物2(TIMP2)和Ⅳ型胶原(collagenⅣ)的mRNA和蛋白表达。应用细胞-胶原黏附实验检测纤维环细胞-胶原黏附作用。结果:M组大鼠椎间盘出现退行性病变,黄芪多糖能够改善颈椎病大鼠椎间盘退行性病变。与NC组相比,M组大鼠纤维环组织中MMP2和MMP9表达水平显著增加,而TIMP2和collagenⅣ表达水平均显著降低(P 0. 05);与M组相比,L-AP组和H-AP组的MMP2和MMP9表达水平显著降低,而TIMP2和collagenⅣ的表达水平均显著增加(P 0. 05)。M组大鼠纤维环细胞-胶原黏附作用显著低于NC组(P 0. 05);与M组相比,L-AP组和H-AP组的纤维环细胞-胶原黏附作用均显著上升(P 0. 05)。与NC组相比,M组纤维环细胞中的MMP2和MMP9表达水平显著增加,而TIMP2和collagenⅣ的表达水平均显著降低(P 0. 05);与M组相比,L-AP组和H-AP组纤维环细胞中的MMP2和MMP9表达水平显著降低,而TIMP2和collagenⅣ表达水平均显著增加(P 0. 05)。结论:黄芪多糖能够抑制颈椎病模型大鼠纤维环组织中MMP2和MMP9表达,调节细胞外基质中MMPs与TIMPs的动态平衡,从而抑制MMPs对椎间盘基质中胶原的降解,在椎间盘退变的治疗中具有潜在研究价值。     

The matrix metalloproteinase/tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase profile in colorectal polyp cancers

Aims:  The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) system has a major role in tumour invasion and metastasis. Roles in pathways involved in early tumour development are also being identified for this system, and the aim of this study was to define the expression profile of the major MMPs and TIMPs in colorectal polyp cancers.
Methods and results:  The expression and cellular localization of individual MMPs and TIMPs was determined in colorectal polyp cancers by immunohistochemistry. All the MMPs and TIMPs showed immunoreactivity in carcinomatous epithelium. MMP1 ( P  < 0.001), MMP2 ( P  = 0.003), MMP3 ( P  = 0.004), TIMP1 ( P  = 0.01) and TIMP2 ( P  < 0.001) showed significant increases in immunoreactivity in carcinomatous epithelium compared with adenomatous epithelium. MMP7 showed immunoreactivity in carcinomatous epithelium, but showed no immunoreactivity in either normal epithelium or adenomatous epithelium. MMP and TIMP expression was limited in normal epithelium to MMP1, MMP2 and TIMP3.
Conclusions:  This study defines the expression profile of MMPs and TIMPs in colorectal polyp cancers and shows that the increased expression of MMPs and TIMPs occurs at an early stage of colorectal neoplasia. It provides evidence to support the hypothesis that these molecules have a key involvement in the early stages of tumour development.     

Cytokines,matrix metalloproteases,angiogenic and growth factors in tears of normal subjects and vernal keratoconjunctivitis patients

Background: To detect the presence of multiple mediators and growth factors in tears of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) patients with active disease using stationary phase antibody arrays. Methods: Tears were collected from 12 normal subjects (CT) and 24 active VKC patients. Tears were centrifuged and successively probed using three microwell plate arrays specific for: (i) cytokines: interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐13, interferon‐γ and tumour necrosis factor‐α; (ii) growth factors: basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet‐derived growth factor, thrombopoietin, angiopoietin‐2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), keratocyte growth factor, tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease (TIMP)‐1 and heparin‐binding epithelial growth factor (HB‐EGF) and (iii) matrix metalloprotease (MMP)‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐8, MMP‐9, MMP‐10, MMP‐13, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2. Results: Interleukin‐8 signals were detected in all CT and highly detected in all VKC samples. The Th2‐type cytokines, IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐10 were detected only in tears of VKC patients. Signals for bFGF, HB‐EGF, VEGF and HGF were detected in 41–87% of VKC samples and in few CT samples. Only TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 were found in all normal and patient tear samples, whereas MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐9 and MMP‐10 were highly present in all VKC samples. Conclusions: Stationary phase antibody array methodology was useful for the screening of various cytokines, growth factors and MMPs in tears. These analyses identified in tears of VKC patients previously unreported factors including MMP‐3 and MMP‐10 and multiple proteases, growth factors and cytokines, which may all play an important role in the pathogenesis of conjunctival inflammation.     

Targeting cytokines secreted by CD4+CD25highCD127low regulatory T cells inhibits ovarian cancer progression

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the major malignant cancers with high rates of early metastasis in which regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role. Tregs suppress immune responses and promote the development of tumours in patients with EOC. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we found higher levels of CD4⁺CD25^highCD127^low Tregs in patients with EOC than in patients with benign ovarian tumours and healthy donors. The immune inhibitory effect of Tregs functions by maintaining high levels of immunosuppressive cytokines in EOC. The high levels of Tregs and related cytokines (TGF‐β1 or IL‐10) were associated with lymphatic metastasis and FIGO stages of patients with EOC. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐2 in EOC cell lines were significantly regulated in the coculture experiment with CD4⁺CD25^highCD127^low Tregs sorted from EOC patients. Levels of MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 conversely changed after blocking IL‐10R and TGF‐β1R in EOC cells. The invasion ability of EOC cells was also significantly downregulated in this process. The metastasis of EOC cells was correlated with the levels of TGF‐β1 or IL‐10. These findings suggested that immunosuppressive cytokines secreted by CD4⁺ Tregs could be a novel target for inhibiting EOC progression.     

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.     

MicroRNA‐214 exerts a Cardio‐protective effect by inhibition of fibrosis

The miRNAs play important roles in regulating myocardial fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential roles of microRNA‐214 (miR‐214) in cardiac fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. In vitro experiment, Ang II‐induced cardiac fibroblasts (CFBs) are transfected with pre‐miR‐214, anti‐miR‐214 and their oligo controls. Gene expression was checked by Quantitative realtime‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blotting. In the present experiment, compared with controls, expressions of collagen type I (COL I), collagen type III (COL III), transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 were all increased, but matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1 was reduced in CFB by Ang II treatment at both mRNA and protein levels, and these alterations were found reversed by miR‐214 transfection. In vivo, an anterior transmural acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was created by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery after Ad‐pre‐miR‐214, Ad‐anti‐miR‐214 or Ad‐GFP was delivered separately. Four weeks after AMI, protein contents of COL I, COL III and TGF‐β1 in tissue from border area were found increased after AMI, but impaired by overexpression of miR‐214. While the expression of MMP‐1 was increased by miR‐214 stimulation but decreased by miR‐214 inhibition. These results suggested that miR‐214 exerts cardio‐protective effects by inhibition of fibrosis and the inhibitory effect involves TGF‐β1 suppression and MMP‐1/TIMP‐1 regulation. Anat Rec, 299:1348–1357, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

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。