基质金属蛋白酶9、3和金属蛋白酶组织抑制物1在原发性膜性肾病肾小球内的表达及意义

目的探讨基质金属蛋白酶9（MMP-9）、基质金属蛋白酶3（MMP-3）和金属蛋白酶组织抑制物1（TIMP-1）在原发性膜性肾病（IMN）患者肾小球内的表达变化及其与蛋白尿、Scr的关系。方法用免疫组织化学技术分别检测44例IMN患者（IMN组）与6例正常对照者（对照组）肾小球内MMP-9、MMP-3和TIMP-1的表达。结果MMP-9及MMP-3在对照组正常肾组织的肾小管上皮细胞、肾间质和肾小球足细胞有少量表达；在IMN组肾小球足细胞、系膜细胞、肾小球基底膜及肾小管上皮细胞有表达。IMN组肾小球内MMP-9及MMP-3的表达均较对照组显著增强（P〈0．05）。TIMP-1在对照组正常肾组织的肾小管上皮细胞有少量表达，肾小球内无表达；在IMN组肾小球足细胞、肾小管上皮细胞有表达。IMN组肾小球内TIMP-1的表达较对照组显著增强（P〈0．01）。IMN组24h尿蛋白定量显著高于对照组（P〈0．01）。Ⅱ期MN组肾小球MMP-9／TIMP-1及MMP-3／TIMP-1比值较Ⅰ期MN组明显下降（P〈0．01）。IMN组肾小球内MMP-9的表达与Scr呈负相关（r=-0．02，P〈0．05）；TIMP-1的表达与Scr呈正相关（r=0．34，P〈0．05）。结论MMP-9与TIMP-1从正反两方面影响IMN患者肾功能的改变。MMP-9、MMP-3的异常表达与IMN患者蛋白尿之间可能相关；IMN患者肾小球MMP／TIMP比值失衡可能与IMN患者肾小球基底膜增厚相关。     

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 1 in the glomeruli of human glomerular diseases: the results of studies using immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization, and immunoelectron microscopy

Background

It has been reported matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs), play important roles in the decomposition of the extracellular matrices of the glomerulus during the pathological processes in various glomerular diseases. Although the activity of these enzymes in cases of experimental glomerulonephritis has been described, the expression sites in the glomeruli of human renal diseases have been identified in only a few articles and remain controversial.

Methods

The expression of the gelatinase group of MMPs (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and their inhibitors (TIMP-2 and TIMP-1) were evaluated in 19 renal biopsies of several types of glomerular diseases by immunofluorescence (IF) labeling. In addition, several samples of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) were also investigated by in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunoelectron microscopy (IEM).

Results

The expression of MMP-2 was observed in all the cases examined by IF and ISH. TIMP-2 expression varied from negative to positive among 11 cases of IgAN, but was negative in the cases with lupus nephritis (LN) (n?=?3), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) (n?=?2), and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (n?=?1). However, it was weakly positive in the cases of diabetic nephropathy (DMN) (n?=?2). MMP-2 was mainly observed along glomerular capillary loops (GCLs) and Bowman??s capsules, whereas TIMP-2 was found in the mesangial area. The expression of MMP-9 in cases of IgAN varied, and was local, not diffuse, if it was present. MMP-9 expression in cases of LN, MPGN, and DMN was diffuse, but the intensity of staining varied. MMP-9 was primarily expressed in the mesangium. TIMP-1 expression was negative in all cases except for those with IgAN. The localization of MMP-2 in patients with IgAN, which was investigated by IEM, was revealed to be mainly on the endothelial cell membranes of GCLs, podocyte membranes, the parietal cell membranes of Bowman??s capsules, and some on the membranes of mesangial cells.

Conclusion

The study results suggest that the expression levels and patterns of MMPs and TIMPs are generally similar in several types of glomerular diseases, even though each case has a somewhat different distribution and intensity of expression. When these enzymes were present, their main sites were as follows: MMP-2 was found along glomerular basement membrane, TIMP-2 was located in the acellular mesangial area, MMP-9 was seen in the mesangium, and TIMP-1 was hardly detected. MMP-2 expression is clearly demonstrated to exist at the above-described sites by IEM in patients with IgAN.     

Specific changes in plasma concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9, TIMP-1 and TGF-beta1 in patients with distinct types of primary glomerulonephritis.

BACKGROUND: Dysregulated renal expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP) and TGF-beta1 contribute to the development of tubulo-interstitial fibrosis characteristic of progressive forms of primary glomerulonephritis (GN). There is little information on the circulating levels of these proteins in human GNs. Here, we assessed whether different histopathological GN types could be associated with distinct plasma patterns of MMPs and regulatory proteins. METHODS: Protein levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TGF-beta1 and TIMP-1 were measured by ELISA in plasma from venous blood of 108 untreated patients with various types of primary GN defined by kidney biopsy, namely IgAN (n=63), membranous GN (MN, n=26), minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS, n=12) and focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS, n=7), and were compared with levels in 50 healthy subjects. Plasma samples were assayed for gelatinolytic activity (zymography). RESULTS: Zymography detected the proforms of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Compared with controls, IgAN patients exhibited a significant, parallel decrease in plasma levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TGF-beta1. In MN patients, decreased MMP-9 level contrasted with a high MMP-2 level and a normal TGF-beta1 level. In the MCNS/FSGS group, increased MMP-2 level contrasted with unchanged MMP-9 and decreased TGF-beta1 levels. Plasma concentration of TIMP-1 was elevated in all GN groups. There was no correlation between baseline MMP-2/MMP-9/TIMP-1/TGF-beta1 levels and the degree of renal dysfunction or with progression toward ESRD. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TGF-beta1 significantly differed between the various histopathological types of primary GNs, thus suggesting the involvement of different underlying mechanisms in the regulation of glomerular and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in these renal diseases.     

Glomerular distribution and gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases in human glomerulonephritis.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in the development of glomerular injury in rat experimental glomerulonephritis (GN). However, the significance of MMPs in human GN remains obscure. In order to evaluate the role of MMPs in human GN, we examined the glomerular distribution and gelatinolytic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human GN. METHODS: We performed immunohistochemistry with polyclonal anti-MMP-2 and MMP-9 antibodies, and analysed gelatin zymograms of five isolated glomeruli from various types of human renal disease. The renal specimens investigated were from normal kidneys (n=5), IgA nephritis (n=20), Henoch-Sch?nlein nephritis (n=4), non-IgA mesangial proliferative GN (n=9), lupus nephritis (n=6), acute poststreptococcal GN (APSGN) (n=4) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) (n=4). RESULTS: MMP-2 immunoreactivity was not detected in normal controls or in any type of GN. MMP-9 staining, which was almost negative in normal glomeruli, was increased mainly in the mesangial region and corresponded to the level of glomerular cell proliferative changes in mesangial proliferative GN (IgA nephritis, Henoch-Sch?nlein nephritis, non-IgA mesangial proliferative GN and lupus nephritis). Positive but weak staining for MMP-9 was observed in mesangial areas in DN. In addition, double immunostaining showed that MMP-9 is colocalized in scattered neutrophils within diseased glomeruli in APSGN. MMP-9 gelatinolytic activity in five normal glomeruli was weakly detected. Consistent with the levels of immunostaining, MMP-9 glomerular activity was dramatically increased in nephritic glomeruli with IgA nephritis, lupus nephritis and DN. The gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 was occasionally detectable in nephritic glomeruli. CONCLUSION: These results strongly suggest that MMP-9 plays an important role in abnormal mesangial proliferative changes in human GN.     

The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-11 protein in various types of glomerulonephritis.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated to play important roles in a number of pathological processes such as inflammation. In human glomeruli, the mesangial matrix turnover is controlled by a dynamic equilibrium between synthesis and degradation to which metalloproteinases are known to contribute. Metalloproteinase-11 (MMP-11) was originally discovered as a gene whose expression was associated with tissue remodelling. The aim of this study was to investigate whether MMP-11 protein is expressed in various types of glomerulonephritis and to elucidate the role of this expression. METHODS: Using standard immunohistochemistry, we analysed MMP-11 expression in renal biopsies from 95 patients with primary glomerulonephritis (n = 44) and secondary, either lupus-associated glomerulonephritis (n = 22) or pauci-immune, ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis due to small vessel vasculitis (n = 23) or Wegener's granulomatosis (n = 6). The examined cases were divided into two groups (proliferative and non-proliferative). Anti-Ki67 and -CD68 immunostaining was also performed in order to estimate cell proliferation and number of macrophages, respectively. RESULTS: MMP-11 immunopositivity was detected in the glomeruli of the majority of pathological samples. The highest incidence of MMP-11 immunopositivity (26.3%) was noticed in glomerulonephritides associated with microscopic polyangiitis and Wegener's granulomatosis. Generally, MMP-11 was often expressed in segmental areas of sclerosis, microadhesions, cellular and fibrocellular crescents. Fibrotic crescents and fibrotic glomeruli were constantly MMP-11-immunonegative. In MMP-11 immunoreactive glomeruli, increased numbers of macrophages were often detected in the mesangium (P = 0.001), while no such observation could be made with regard to proliferating cells (P = 0.170). CONCLUSIONS: MMP-11, like an inflammatory mediator, may exert a chemotactic influence on macrophages which aggregate in the mesangium; MMP-11 is not likely to have a parallel mitogenic or antifibrotic effect in diseased glomeruli.     

Expression of MMP-9 in mesangial cells and its changes in anti-GBM glomerulonephritis in WKY rats

Background Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, a member of the MMP family with specificity towards type IV collagen, is implicated in the turnover of the extracellular matrix in the kidney. To elucidate its physiological and pathophysiological significance, we examined the expression and localization of MMP-9 in the normal kidney and the changes in these features during the course of anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) glomerulonephritis induced in WKY rats, along with the changes in these features of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and MMP-2.Methods The expression of MMP-9, TIMP-1 and MMP-2 mRNA was quantified by ribonuclease protection assay, and the gelatinolytic activities of MMP-9 and MMP-2 were evaluated by gelatin zymography. The localization of MMP-9 was visualized by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence microscopy.Results The ribonuclease protection assay indicated the almost exclusive expression of MMP-9 mRNA in the glomerulus of normal kidneys. Immunohistochemistry and double-label immunofluorescence microscopy showed that MMP-9 was localized in the mesangial cells. During the course of anti-GBM glomerulonephritis, the expression of MMP-9 mRNA in glomeruli increased on day 1, peaked on days 3 to 7, and then decreased on day 14. The change in MMP-9 mRNA expression was accompanied by parallel changes in the gelatinolytic activity of the active form of MMP-9, TIMP-1 mRNA expression, and MMP-9 immunoreactivity in mesangial cells. In contrast, glomerular MMP-2 mRNA expression and its activity increased after the decline of MMP-9.Conclusions MMP-9 mRNA was predominantly expressed in the glomerulus in normal rat kidneys and MMP-9 was present in the mesangium. The MMP-9 mRNA expression increased in the glomerulus 3 to 7 days after the induction of anti-GBM glomerulonephritis in WKY rats, in parallel with the development of abnormal glomerular histology and injury, suggesting a role of MMP-9 in proteolysis of the GBM during glomerulonephritis. MMP-2 may participate in the later phase of the nephritis.     

Neutrophil contribution to the crescentic glomerulonephritis in SCG/Kj mice.

BACKGROUND: Myeloperoxidase-specific anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic auto-antibody (MPO-ANCA) has been a useful diagnostic marker in systemic vasculitis with crescentic glomerulonephritis (CrGN). It is highly suspected that the antigenic enzyme MPO released from activated neutrophils is involved in these lesions. We evaluated the relationship between neutrophil functions including peripheral neutrophil counts and renal lesions in SCG/Kj mice as a model of ANCA-associated CrGN and vasculitis. METHODS: Peripheral neutrophil counts, the plasma levels of MPO-ANCA and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured. The capacity of MPO release and superoxide generation were evaluated as neutrophil activity. The renal lesions were estimated by grade of proteinuria, histopathological lesion, such as glomerular neutrophil infiltration and active or chronic renal injury scores with crescent formation. RESULTS: MPO-ANCA and TNF-alpha levels were higher than those of normal mice C57BL/6 even before overt proteinuria; subsequently, peripheral neutrophils increased. In the phase of nephritis with low grade proteinuria, the spontaneous release of MPO from peripheral neutrophils increased, while superoxide generation increased before spontaneous MPO release occurred. In addition, the renal lesion in histological observations was aggravated with ageing and the glomerular neutrophil infiltration was positively correlated with MPO-ANCA levels, as well as with histological indices of nephritis, active renal injury score; in particular, crescent formation was correlated with spontaneous MPO release. In contrast, superoxide generation was negatively correlated with the severity of this lesion during the progression. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that neutrophils are activated and contribute to the development of the active crescentic lesion in SCG/Kj mice.     

Fibrosis and matrix metalloproteinases in rat renal allografts

The temporal activity and gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) were investigated in a rat model of chronic allograft nephropathy. Gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and -9 were demonstrated by zymography, and MMP-2,-9 and TIMP-3 mRNA by in situ hybridization. The generation of fibrosis was determined as total collagen content/DNA. Significantly more latent and active MMP-2, as well as latent MMP-9, were seen in allografts than in autografts. Intense MMP-2 mRNA expression was demonstrated in the allografts during the first 20 days after transplantation, located mainly in the interstitium of the kidney. In addition, some tubular cells expressed MMP-2 mRNA. After day 20, MMP-2 gene expression was faint. MMP-9 mRNA expression in allografts was located mainly in the glomerulus. TIMP-3 mRNA expression was downregulated in allografts. MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-3 seem to play a critical role in the development of fibrosis in the renal allograft.     

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and effector CD4+ cells play nonredundant roles in anti-myeloperoxidase crescentic glomerulonephritis

Most humans with microscopic polyarteritis and anti-myeloperoxidase (anti-MPO), anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) develop "pauci-immune" crescentic glomerulonephritis. For dissection of the roles of ANCA and cell-mediated effectors in microscopic polyarteritis, experimental autoimmune anti-MPO glomerulonephritis was induced by immunizing C57BL/6 mice with human MPO. Autoimmunity to mouse MPO (ANCA and CD4+ cell reactivity) was induced. Challenge with anti-glomerular basement membrane globulin resulted in accumulation of neutrophils, CD4+ cells and macrophages, and significant numbers of crescentic glomeruli compared with similarly challenged control-immunized mice. MPO-deficient (Mpo(-/-)) mice immunized with MPO developed similar immune responses to MPO but failed to recruit effector cells to glomeruli or develop significant crescent formation, suggesting that MPO is acting as a planted glomerular autoantigen. Effector CD4+ cell depletion in this model attenuated crescentic glomerulonephritis and effector cell influx without altering ANCA titers. However, B cell-deficient mice, with no ANCA, still developed severe crescentic glomerulonephritis with accumulation of effector cells. Intravital microscopy studies demonstrated that passive transfer of sera from MPO-immunized Mpo(-/-) mice to LPS-primed mice rapidly induced glomerular neutrophil accumulation and release of MPO. These studies provide in vivo evidence in a relevant vascular bed for both humoral and cellular anti-MPO responses as key inducers of injury. ANCA induces glomerular neutrophil infiltration and MPO deposition. Subsequently, anti-MPO CD4+ cells recognize MPO as a planted glomerular antigen and act with macrophages to amplify severe glomerular injury.     

Endogenous myeloperoxidase promotes neutrophil-mediated renal injury, but attenuates T cell immunity inducing crescentic glomerulonephritis

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an enzyme that is found in neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages. Intracellularly, it plays a major role in microbial killing, but extracellularly, it may cause host tissue damage. The role of endogenous MPO was studied during neutrophil-mediated (heterologous) and T helper 1 (Th1)/macrophage-mediated (autologous) phases of crescentic glomerulonephritis. Glomerulonephritis was induced in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and MPO-deficient (MPO(-/-)) mice by intravenous injection of sheep anti-mouse glomerular basement membrane globulin. MPO activity was increased in kidneys of WT mice during both the heterologous and autologous phases of glomerulonephritis. During the heterologous phase of glomerulonephritis, proteinuria was decreased, whereas glomerular neutrophil accumulation and P-selectin expression were enhanced in MPO(-/-) mice. In the autologous, crescentic phase of glomerulonephritis, MPO(-/-) mice had increased accumulation of CD4(+) cells and macrophages in glomeruli compared with WT mice. However, no difference in renal injury (crescent formation, proteinuria, and serum creatinine levels) was observed. Neutrophils and macrophages from MPO(-/-) mice exhibited reduced production of reactive oxygen species. Assessment of systemic immunity to sheep globulin showed that MPO(-/-) mice had increased splenic CD4(+) cell proliferation, cytokine production, and dermal delayed-type hypersensitivity, as well as enhanced levels of circulating IgG, IgG1, and IgG3. MPO(-/-) mice also had an augmented Th1:Th2 ratio compared with WT mice (IFN-gamma:IL-4 and IgG3:IgG1 ratios). These results suggest that endogenous MPO locally contributes to glomerular damage during neutrophil-mediated glomerulonephritis, whereas it attenuates initiation of the adaptive immune response inducing crescentic, autologous-phase glomerulonephritis by suppressing T cell proliferation, cytokine production, and Th1:Th2 ratio.     

膀胱癌组织MMP-9和TIMP-1的表达及其意义

目的　研究金属蛋白酶 9(MMP 9)及其抑制因子 (TIMP 1)在膀胱癌中的表达及其临床意义。方法　应用免疫组化方法检测MMP 9及TIMP 1在 6 5例膀胱癌和 19例非肿瘤性膀胱组织中的表达。结果　MMP 9在膀胱癌细胞和间质组织中均有表达 ,而TIMP 1主要表达在膀胱癌细胞中 ,在间质组织中很少表达。TIMP 1在膀胱癌细胞中的表达低于非肿瘤性膀胱组织中移行上皮的表达 ,两者差别有统计学意义 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,但与膀胱癌的病理分级、分期无统计学相关性 (P >0 .0 5 )。MMP 9在膀胱癌细胞及间质中的表达均高于非肿瘤性膀胱组织 ,两者差别有统计学意义 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,而且与膀胱癌的病理分级、分期均呈正相关 (P <0 .0 5 )。膀胱癌细胞表达TIMP 1与间质组织表达MMP 9呈负相关 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,MMP 9及TIMP 1的表达与肿瘤的复发、多发均无相关性 (P >0 .0 5 )。结论　MMP 9和TIMP 1参与膀胱癌的浸润和转移 ,对预后判断、诊断及治疗具有一定的意义。     

Clinical significance of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase and matrix metalloproteinase mRNA expression in thymoma

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes which degrade extracellular matrix and basement membrane. There is much evidence that their increased expression is correlated with tumor aggressiveness in various carcinomas. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are the specific inhibitors of MMPs. MMPs and TIMPs are considered to play an important role in carcinoma invasion and metastasis. We hypothesized that MMPs and TIMPs also play an important role in thymoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 34 thymoma cases. The mRNA levels of MMP-1, -7, and -9, TIMP-1 and -2, and GAPDH were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction using LightCycler. We also performed immunohistochemistry for TIMP-1. RESULTS: The TIMP-1/GAPDH mRNA expression level was significantly higher in invasive (stage II-IV) thymomas (means +/- SE, 81.4 +/- 28.1) than in noninvasive (stage I) thymomas (30.9 +/- 8.3, P = 0.026). The MMP-1/GAPDH mRNA expression level was also higher in invasive thymomas (19.7 +/- 7.5) than in non invasive thymomas (2.26 +/- 1.72, P = 0.020). Immunopositivity of TIMP-1 was localized in stromal cells adjacent to the advancing margin of the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that TIMPs and MMPs play an important role in the invasion of thymoma.     

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) modulates matrix turnover in human glomeruli

BACKGROUND: The imbalance between synthesis and degradation of mesangial matrix causes glomerulosclerosis and leads to renal failure. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been shown to reduce the progression in murine models of chronic renal failure. The present study evaluated the effect of HGF on the extracellular matrix turnover and on c-met receptor in human glomeruli. METHODS: Human glomeruli microdissected from donor kidney biopsies before transplantation were incubated with culture media containing HGF (50 ng/mL). After 24 and 48 hours, the expression of c-met, (alpha2) IV collagen, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), metalloprotease (MMP) 2 and 9 and of the inhibitor of MMP-2, tissue inhibitors of metalloprotease-1 (TIMP-1), was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). beta-actin was used as housekeeping gene. The production of collagen type IV and TGF-beta was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting and the activity of MMP by zymography. RESULTS: (alpha2) IV collagen, TGF-beta, and TIMP-1 mRNA levels were markedly decreased in glomeruli treated with HGF at 24 and 48 hours. The expression of c-met was up-regulated by HGF treatment. HGF reduced the production of collagen type IV and TGF-beta. MMP-2 but not MMP-9 mRNA level was increased in HGF-treated glomeruli, although the gelatinolytic activity of the supernatant was not changed. By light microscopic examination kidney biopsies neither showed glomerular hypercellularity nor mesangial expansion. CONCLUSION: HGF reduced expression and synthesis of TGF-beta and collagen type IV and increased MMP-2 mRNA level in normal human glomeruli. These results suggest an antifibrotic effect of HGF on glomerular cells and may explain its beneficial role in glomerulosclerosis.     

Matrix metalloproteinases and mesangial remodeling in light chain-related glomerular damage

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) belong to the zinc endopeptidase subgroup of the metalloproteinase superfamily and are primarily involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Alterations of the mesangial ECM in AL-amyloidosis (AL-Am) and light chain deposition disease (LCDD) are crucial in their pathogeneses as two divergent entities. METHODS: Protein expression patterns of five MMPs (MMP-1, 2, 3, 7, and 9) in renal tissues obtained from autopsies and kidney biopsies, and cultured human mesangial cells (HMCs) treated with light chains obtained from the urines of patients with AL-Am and LCDD were analyzed. MMP mRNA expressions were determined in glomeruli following laser capture microdissection and selective MMP microarray. Zymography was used to assess MMP activity. RESULTS: The average glomerular MMP expression was 6 times greater in AL-Am than LCDD and negative control renal tissues with different expression profiles: MMP-1, 7 > 9 > 3 > 2, MMP-1 > 2, 9 > 3 > 7, and MMP-2, 3, 7 > 9 > 1, respectively. Microdissected glomeruli and HMCs treated with light chains expressed higher levels of MMP mRNA and proteins in AL-Am than LCDD. Zymography was used to assess activity demonstrating increased MMP-2 in AL-Am. CONCLUSION: Altered expressions of MMPs play a key role in the pathogenesis of AL-Am and LCDD. MMPs were more highly expressed in AL-Am compared to LCDD.     

NGAL、MMP-9及TIMP-1在单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾组织中的表达

目的：动态观测单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠肾组织中中性粒细胞相关脂质运载蛋白（NGAL）、基质金属蛋白酶-9（MMP-9）及金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子（TIMP—1）的表达变化,探讨NGAL分子在肾小管间质纤维化发展中的作用机制。方法：将48只雄性SD大鼠随机分为UUO模型组及假手术（SOR）组,每组24只,UUO组行左侧输尿管梗阻术,SOR组仅游离左侧输尿管不结扎。术后第1、4、7、14天分别处死每组6只大鼠,取左肾行HE＆Masson染色,并用免疫组化EI,iVision‘M1plus法检测肾组织NGAL、MMP-9及TIMP-1的表达。结果：HE、Masson染色切片示：UUO组间质损伤指数在术后各时间点高于SOR组（P〈0．05）。免疫组化结果显示：UUO组术后各时间点NGAL表达高于SOR组（P〈0．05）,与肾小管损伤指数呈明显负相关;MMP-9在uu0术后早期（1～7天）有所上升,随着病程进展,7～14天表达有所下降;TIMP1在UUO术后表达逐渐增强;NGAI。与MMP-9／TIMP-1比值呈明显正相关。结论：NGAL在肾间质纤维化早期发挥负向调节作用,对调节MMP-9／TIMP-1的平衡亦发挥重要作用。     

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and -9) and their inhibitors (TIMP-1 and -2) in prostate cancer tissue

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in progression and metastases of different tumours. The balance between the MMPs and their natural inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases; TIMP) seems to be an important factor related to this role. Here, the expression of MMP-2 and -9 along with TIMP-1 and -2 was examined in prostate cancer tissue. A total of 40 radical prostatectomy specimens were embedded in paraffin and immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect MMP-2 and -9, and TIMP-1 and -2. The immunoreactivity was assessed semiquantitively using routine light microscopy. The intensity of staining was correlated to preoperative PSA, T category, Gleason score and clinical parameters of the specimens. The imbalance of MMPs and TIMPs was recognised as a significant loss of TIMP-1 in malignant epithelium and an upregulation of MMPs. Palpable tumours (T2, T3) expressed significantly more MMP-2 and significantly less MMP-9 than T1c tumours. Our data are in accordance with other literature reports in that an imbalance of MMPs and TIMPs is found in malignant tumours. The observed imbalance of MMP and TIMP is mainly caused by a loss of TIMP-1. Furthermore, palpable tumours demonstrated significantly more MMP-2 and significantly less MMP-9 expression than nonpalpable tumours.     

Metalloproteinases and their inhibitors: influence on tumor invasiveness and metastasis formation in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in tumor invasiveness. This study investigates the expression status of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). METHODS: Of 48 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) biopsies and 10 HNSCC cell lines, mRNA was isolated, reversely transcribed, and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifying MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-10, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2. Silver nitrate-stained gel electrophoresis demonstrated MMP and TIMP expression status. Exemplary immunohistochemistry and zymography confirmed translation and enzyme activity. RESULTS: Densitometric analysis revealed MMP-2 expression and lymph node metastases to be positively and TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 to be negatively correlated with lymph node metastases. TIMP-2 expression and tumor size were negatively correlated. MMP-1, MMP-9, and MMP-10 expression were not correlated to metastasis formation or tumor size. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that MMP-2 expression enhances, whereas TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 both suppress, cancer spread in LSCC.     

基质金属蛋白酶2,9及金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂1在肾盂移行细胞癌中的表达及意义

目的 探讨基质金属蛋白酶2（MMP-2），9（MMP-9）及金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂1（TIMP-1）表达与肾盂移行细胞癌分级、分期及预后的关系。方法 采用免疫组化SP法检测117例肾盂移行细胞癌标本MMP-2，MMP-9发TIMP-1表达水平。患者中男97例，女20例。平均年龄59岁。肿瘤病理分级：G123例、G273例、G321例；TNM病理分期：Ta22例、T127例、T221例、T325例、T422例。结果 肾盂癌组织MMP-2表达阳性率81．2％（95例），MMP-9表达阳性率72．6％（85例），TIMP1表达阳性率72．6％（85例），阳性表达强度和阳性细胞分布不均匀，主要位于肿瘤细胞的胞质，随肿瘤分级、分期增加，MMP-2、MMP-9阳性表达率呈递增趋势，FL与预后相关，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。TIMP-1阳性表达率随分级、分期增加呈递减趋势，但其差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05），TIMP-1表达强度与患者的生存时间无明显相关性。单因素方差分析发现MMP-9／TIMP-1比值与肿瘤临床病理分级、分期密切相关，随着分级、分期增加呈递增趋势（P〈0．05）。结论 MMP-2及MMP-9检测在肾盂癌病理分级、分期中有重要价值。MMP-2、MMP-9及MMP-9／TIMP-1比值在肾盂癌的预后判断中有重要意义。     

MMP-9和TIMP-1在人结核性淋巴结中的表达及临床意义

目的探讨基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP9)及其组织抑制物(TIMP1)在人结核性淋巴结中的表达及其临床意义。方法免疫组化SP法检测MMP9和TIMP1蛋白在20例活动性淋巴结结核、20例陈旧性结核性淋巴结病灶和20例慢性非特异性淋巴结炎中的表达,采用图象分析技术对免疫组化结果进行定量分析。结果MMP9和TIMP1在三组淋巴结病变均有表达,其中MMP9在活动性淋巴结结核的肉芽肿、坏死周围炎性区呈强表达,在非特异性淋巴结炎和陈旧性结核病灶呈弱表达。MMP9,TIMP1及MMP9/TIMP1在活动性结核组表达显著高于非特异性淋巴结炎和陈旧性结核病灶(均为P<0.01),在单纯活动性淋巴结核组和合并活动性肺结核组表达无显著性差异(均为P>0.05)。结论MMP9、TIMP1高表达可能在结核性淋巴结炎发病机制中发挥重要作用,MMP9/TIMP1失衡可能预示疾病进展和结核播散。