血管内皮生长因子调节小鼠系膜细胞基质金属蛋白酶及其组织抑制物的表达

目的：研究血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）对体外培养的小鼠系膜细胞表达基质金属蛋白酶（MMPs)和金属蛋白酶组织抑制物（TIMPs)的调节作用。方法：对体外培养的小鼠系膜细胞应用人重组VEGF孵育12h，应用蛋白质印迹法检测细胞培养液MMP2、MMP9、TIMP1、TIMP2的蛋白质水平；应用白明胶酶谱法检测MMP2、MMP9的活性；应用RT－PCR检测系膜细胞TIMP1、TIMP2 mRNA表达。结果：VEGF（10ng/ml)可提高小鼠系膜细胞MMP2和MMP9蛋白质释放（和对照组相比分别提高43％和34％，P＜0．05），MMP2和MMP9活性分别提高17％和26％（P＜0．05）。同时，VEGF可呈剂量依赖地下调小鼠系膜细胞TIMP1和TIMP2蛋白质和mRNA的表达，VEGF（25ng/ml)可减少小鼠系膜细胞TIMP1和TIMP2蛋白质释放分别为43％和67％（P＜0．05）；并抑制TIMP1和TIMP2 mRNA的表达（分别下降41％和59％，P＜0．01）。结论：VEGF使系膜细胞MMPs蛋白质表达增加、活性增强，同时下调TIMPs mRNA和蛋白质的表达，可能在增生性肾小球肾炎的发病机制中起一定的作用。     

基质金属蛋白酶9及组织型基质金属蛋白酶抑制因子1在大鼠外伤性脑水肿中的表达及意义

目的 探讨大鼠脑损伤中基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP9)及组织型基质金属蛋白酶抑制因子1(TIMP1)的表达变化规律及意义.方法 采用Feeney自由落体法制作大鼠轻度脑损伤模型,采用干湿重法测定脑组织含水量;采用逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法对大鼠脑损伤模型中MMP9及TIMP1 mRNA进行检测并分析两者比值.结果 实验组脑组织含水量(BWC),MMP9mRNA及TIMP1 mRNA表达量及两者比值均明显高于对照组,P值分别为0.013、0.000、0.000及0.011,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),MMP9 mRNA与TIMP1mRNA表达量及两者比值与BWC均呈正相关,r值分别为0.654、0.355(P<0.05).结论 MMP9/TIMP1的比例失衡可能在外伤性脑水肿的发生发展过程中起重要作用.     

Circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in patients with incisional hernia

Incisional hernia formation is a common complication to laparotomy and possibly associated with alterations in connective tissue metabolism. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are closely involved in the metabolism of the extracellular matrix. Our aim was to study serum levels of multiple MMPs and TIMPs in patients with and without incisional hernia. Out of 305 patients who underwent laparotomy, 79 (25.9%) developed incisional hernia over a median follow‐up period of 3.7 years. Pooled sera from a subset (n = 72) of these patients were screened for MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐7, MMP‐8, MMP‐9, MMP‐10, MMP‐12, MMP‐13, TIMP‐1, TIMP‐2, and TIMP‐4 using a multiplex sandwich fluorescent immunoassay supplemented with gelatin zymography. The screening indicated differences in serum MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 levels. Consequently, MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 levels were measured in serum in the whole patient cohort with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. There were no significant differences in either MMP‐9 (p = 0.411) or TIMP‐1 (p = 0.679) levels between hernia and hernia‐free patients. MMP‐9 was significantly increased in smokers compared with nonsmokers (p = 0.016). In conclusion, a possible involvement of MMPs and TIMPs in the pathogenesis of incisional hernia formation was not reflected systemically.     

细菌性颅内动脉瘤72-和92-KDa IV型胶原酶及其组织抑制因子mRNA的原位杂交

目的　探讨细菌性颅内动脉瘤 (BIAs)的发病机理。方法　用地高辛标记的 72 和92 KDaIV型胶原酶 (MMP 2和MMP 9)及其组织抑制因子 (TIMP) 1、TIMP 2反义RNA探针与BIAs(n =2 )和正常脑动脉组织 (n =6 )进行原位杂交 ,定位产生它们的细胞。并用正义RNA探针进行阴性对照。结果　 2份感染性颅内动脉瘤标本中均见MMP 9mRNA阳性杂交信号。且在内膜 ,尤其是相当于内弹力层部位 ,阳性杂交信号密集存在。动脉瘤壁内弹力层消失。阳性杂交信号定位于单核细胞、成纤维细胞和平滑肌细胞。正常脑动脉标本中未发现MMP 9mRNA阳性杂交信号。在BIAs和正常脑动脉组织中未发现MMP 2、TIMP 1和TIMP 2的mRNA阳性杂交信号。结论　感染因素引起炎性细胞浸润 ,表达MMP 9mRNA增多 ,导致内弹力层断裂、消失 ,甚至动脉壁全层结构的破坏 ,从而引发BIAs形成。     

Bridge to heart transplantation with the HeartMate device in Gothenburg, Sweden

BACKGROUND: Patients rapidly deteriorating while waiting for heart transplantation present a major problem. Our strategy for this entity is the HeartMate left ventricular assist device (LVAD) VELVAS, an electrically driven implantable LVAD. Herein we report our initial experience. METHODS: The medical records of all the patients who received HeartMate LVAS at our institution were reviewed. RESULTS: From January 1997 through May 2004, 19 patients received a HeartMate. The mean age was 39 (15 to 61) years and 84% were men. The diagnoses were: dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 8), ischemic heart disease (n = 6), myocarditis (n = 3), congenital heart disease (n = 1), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n = 1). Mean time on LVAD was 113 (10 to 353) days. Ten patients were discharged from the hospital to their homes awaiting transplant or recovery. Three patients showed recovery of heart function and were subsequently weaned from mechanical support. Thirteen patients underwent heart transplantation. Three patients died during LVAD treatment. Major adverse events occurred in nine patients, including severe right heart failure (n = 3), severe bleeding (n = 3), stroke (n = 1), hepatic failure (n = 1), and septicemia (n = 2). Nine of the 13 transplanted patients are alive and well today. CONCLUSION: HeartMate LVAS is a valuable option for patients rapidly deteriorating while awaiting a heart transplant. Our results are comparable with those reported from larger centers.     

Liver and serum expression of matrix metalloproteinases in asymptomatic pediatric liver transplant recipients

We related hepatic gene and serum expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP) to liver histology in pediatric LT recipients. Liver biopsies and serum samples were obtained from 52 patients 10.6 years post‐LT and age‐matched controls for analyses of MMPs and TIMPs. Patients with fibrosis had significantly higher hepatic gene expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, MMP‐14, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2 than patients without. Expression of these genes correlated with graft Metavir fibrosis stage (r = 0.494–0.684, P ≤ 0.006 for all). Gene expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐3, MMP‐8, TIMP‐3, and TIMP‐4 was undetectable in both patients and controls. Portal inflammation and cytokeratin 7 correlated positively with gene expression of TIMP‐1. Gene expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and TIMP‐2 correlated negatively with the time of low‐dose cortisone usage (r = ?0.448 to ?0.422, P < 0.05 for all). Serum concentrations of MMP‐8 and TIMP‐1 were significantly increased and MMP‐9 decreased among patients compared with controls, but no correlations to graft histology or gene expression were observed. Hepatic gene expression of certain MMPs and TIMPs is increased in stable pediatric LT recipients displaying graft fibrosis, but this did not reflect to their serum concentrations. Increased hepatic gene expression of TIMP‐1 correlated with graft fibrosis stage, inflammation, and chronic cholestasis.     

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and the metastasis-associated gene S100A4 in human neuroblastoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumor cells.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of MMPs; TIMPs) have been shown to correlate with in vitro invasiveness and clinical outcome in several adult malignancies. The importance of MMP and TIMP expression in neuroblastoma (NB) and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) is incompletely understood. The aim of the current study was to relate in vitro invasion of NB and PNET cell lines with MMP and TIMP expression and evaluate the effect of a synthetic MMP inhibitor. Furthermore, S100A4 levels were determined because recent reports have suggested a possible association between MMPs, TIMPs, and the metastasis-associated gene S100A4. METHODS: Expression of MMPs, TIMPs, and S100A4 was evaluated at both mRNA and protein levels in 2 human NB and 2 PNET cell lines. In vitro invasion and effects of the synthetic MMP inhibitor Marimastat were assessed in the Transwell chamber assay. RESULTS: The most invasive cells expressed the highest levels of MMPs and S100A4. Marimastat reduced invasion by 30%. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro invasion correlated with MMP and S100A4 expression. The fact that Marimastat reduced in vitro invasion is encouraging for further studies on a possible therapeutic application for proteinase inhibitors.     

Cardiac endothelin-like immunoreactivity and preproendothelin-1 mRNA expression in human heart failure

Endothelin (ET) induces hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes and increases synthesis of collagen in vitro. Interestingly, these features are hallmarks of the cardiac remodeling taking place in heart failure. The aim of the present study was to examine cardiac ET peptide and preproET-1 mRNA synthesis in human heart failure. Cardiac tissue was obtained from 11 patients with end-stage heart failure undergoing orthothopic heart transplantation (NYHA III-IV). Cardiac tissue from nine organ donors served as controls. The specimens were examined by immunohistochemistry and mRNA slot blot analyses. Significantly stronger ET-1-like immunoreactivity (ET-1-ir) was seen in the left atrial myocardium of failing hearts compared to the left atrial myocardium of donor hearts. Within each heart, the epicardium showed the strongest ET-1-ir. Left ventricular preproET-1 mRNA expression in the entire group of patients did not differ significantly from that of donor hearts. However, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy may be associated with a twofold increase in left ventricular preproET-1 mRNA. We report an increase in cardiac ET peptide in human heart failure.     

Cardiac Endothelin-like Immunoreactivity and Preproendothelin-1 mRNA Expression in Human Heart Failure

Endothelin (ET) induces hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes and increases synthesis of collagen in vitro. Interestingly, these features are hallmarks of the cardiac remodeling taking place in heart failure. The aim of the present study was to examine cardiac ET peptide and preproET-1 mRNA synthesis in human heart failure. Cardiac tissue was obtained from 11 patients with end-stage heart failure undergoing orthothopic heart transplantation (NYHA III-IV). Cardiac tissue from nine organ donors served as controls. The specimens were examined by immunohistochemistry and mRNA slot blot analyses. Significantly stronger ET-1-like immunoreactivity (ET-1-ir) was seen in the left atrial myocardium of failing hearts compared to the left atrial myocardium of donor hearts. Within each heart, the epicardium showed the strongest ET-1-ir. Left ventricular preproET-1 mRNA expression in the entire group of patients did not differ significantly from that of donor hearts. However, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy may be associated with a twofold increase in left ventricular preproET-1 mRNA. We report an increase in cardiac ET peptide in human heart failure.     

BCAT1对HSC-LX2人肝星状细胞纤维化相关基因表达的影响

[摘要] 目的 探讨支链氨基酸转氨酶1（BCAT1）对HSC-LX2人肝星状细胞纤维化相关基因表达的影响。方法 构建携带BCAT1基因的慢病毒载体,将病毒转染HSC-LX2细胞,运用qRT-PCR和Western blotting检测转染BCAT1过表达病毒后的HSC-LX2细胞中BCAT1、ACTA2、TIMP1、MMP2和COL1A1基因的表达情况。结果 携带BCAT1基因的慢病毒转染HSC-LX2细胞后,实验组（转染p-BCAT1）HSC-LX2细胞和对照组（转染Vec）HSC-LX2细胞相比,促进纤维化的ACTA2、TIMP1、COL1A1基因的mRNA及蛋白表达均升高,抗纤维化的MMP2基因的mRNA及蛋白表达均下降,两者的差异均具有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。结论 BCAT1增强HSC-LX2人肝星状细胞中ACTA2、TIMP1、COL1A1促纤维化相关基因的表达,抑制抗纤维化相关基因MMP2的表达。     

Effects of the 532-nm and 1,064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers on collagen turnover of cultured human skin fibroblasts: a comparative study

Cultured human skin fibroblasts were irradiated twice successively with the 1.5 J/cm² of 532-nm and 1,064-nm lasers, respectively. The mRNA of procollagen, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) were analyzed at 24 and 48 h post-irradiation by using RT-PCR. Both lasers significantly increased the expression of type I and III procollagen, TIMP1, and TIMP2, but decreased MMP1 and MMP2 expression. The 1,064-nm laser initiated TGF-β expression while the 532-nm laser elicited the increase of Hsp70 and IL-6. The increase/decrease rates of procollagen, TIMPs and MMPs for the 1,064-nm laser were higher than that of the 532-nm laser. Thus, both lasers effectively accelerated collagen synthesis and inhibited collagen degradation. Collagen synthesis induced by the 1,064-nm laser might be partly due to the upregulation of TGF-β expression, while the increase of Hsp70 and IL-6 might be partly responsible for collagen synthesis stimulated by the 532-nm laser. With the parameters used in this study, the 1,064-nm infrared laser is more effective in promoting the beneficial molecular activities than the 532-nm visible laser.