Role of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases in myxomatous change of cardiac floppy valves

To clarify the underlying cause of myxomatous changes in cardiac floppy valves, the expression of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) was investigated in cardiac valves. Valves were obtained from nine patients with floppy valves, from 13 patients with other valvular disease types, and from four patients with normal valves. Immunohistochemical analyses for MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2, and gelatin zymography for MMP-2 and MMP-9 were performed. Compared with the spongiosa of normal valves, the myxomatous area of floppy valves had stronger immunohistochemical reaction to MMP-2 and MMP-9, and weaker reaction to TIMP-2. Activated MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected in eight out of nine cases of floppy valves. Activated MMP-2 was detected at low levels in two cases of normal valves showing mild expansion of the spongiosa without macroscopic floppiness. The ratio of active/total MMP-2 and MMP-9 increased in floppy valves compared with normal valves. These results suggest that the imbalance between MMP and TIMP and the increased activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 may correlate with myxomatous changes observed in floppy valves. Valves with a slight myxomatous change and activated MMP-2 may develop into floppy valves with increases in the activity of MMP.     

Comparison of matrix metalloproteinase expression in normal and cirrhotic human liver

 To study the extend of ongoing tissue remodelling in end-stage cirrhosis, the expression of different matrix metalloproteinases [interstitial collagenase (MMP-1), M_r 72000 gelatinase (MMP-2), stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) and stromelysin-3 (MMP-11)] and of TIMP-1 was studied in 13 cirrhotic livers explanted at transplantation. The results were compared with those obtained in normal liver. Western blot, northern blot, ELISA, RT-PCR and zymogram analysis were used. Proenzymes of stromelysin-1 and -3, interstitial collagenase and M_r 72000 gelatinase were positive in normal liver, while activated enzymes were not detectable in western blot analysis. In cirrhosis proenzyme levels of the studied MMPs were reduced to a mean of 60–70%, but mRNA expression and gelatin-degrading activity increased. TIMP-1 expression was detectable on mRNA level and by ELISA in normal liver and also increased in cirrhosis. Our results show that mRNA expression of certain matrix metalloproteinases is increased in end-stage liver cirrhosis, while the amount of proenzyme is decreased, indicating enhanced MMP proenzyme turnover. These data suggest that besides increased TIMP-1 activity, altered MMP expression may also play a part in fibroproliferation in liver disease. Received: 6 June 1997 / Accepted: 1 September 1997     

Matrix metalloproteinase-2, -9 and -13 are involved in fibronectin degradation of rat lung granulomatous fibrosis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis

Pulmonary granuloma formation and fibrosis were experimentally induced in Sprague-Dawley strain rats by Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Increased protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -9, -13 and the imbalance between these enzymes and metalloproteinase inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP-1 and -2), occur during granulomatous fibrosis. Activation of proteolytic enzymes (MMP-2, -9 and -13) and fibronectin degradation occur simultaneously. Furthermore, the present study demonstrated that fibronectin avidly binds MMP-2, -9 or -13. Immunohistochemical observations also showed the localization of MMP-13, TIMP-1 and -2 within the infiltrating leucocytes. These results suggest that MMP-2, -9 and -13 may participate in the fibronectin degradation of A. cantonensis-induced granulomatous fibrosis.     

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Tissue Inhibitors of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 in Plasma of Patients Co-Infected with HCV and HIV

Abstract

Background: Accelerated progression of hepatic fibrosis has been shown in patients co-infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV. Liver fibrosis is a dynamic process in which the altered balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their specific inhibitors (TIMPs) may play a major role. Method: The involvement of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in HCV liver disease progression in patients co-infected with HIV was evaluated. Plasma concentrations of human MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were assessed in 76 HIV-infected patients; 27 were co-infected with HCV and 49 were HCV negative. 18 healthy donors were included as controls. Results: Patients with HIV infection exhibited a striking increase in TIMP-1 levels; this is more evident in patients with advanced CD4 depletion. There was no elevation in the plasma concentrations of the MMP-9. The highest levels of TIMP-1 were found in the HIV/HCV co-infected patients. The values of TIMP-1 in HIV-infected patients with chronic HCV hepatitis were significantly higher than in HIV-positive individuals without HCV infection, even including those with low CD4 count. No significant differences were seen in the MMP-9 levels. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the altered balance between circulating MMP-9 and TIMP-1 during HIV infection may play an important role in exacerbating liver fibrosis progression in patients co-infected with HCV.     

Regulation of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in the left ventricular myocardium of patients with aortic stenosis

Aortic stenosis (AS) results in myocyte and extracellular matrix remodeling in the human left ventricle (LV). The myocardial renin-angiotensin system is activated and collagens I and III and fibronectin accumulate. We determined the yet unknown regulation of enzymes that control collagen turnover, i.e., LV matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in human AS. We compared LV samples from AS patients undergoing elective aortic valve replacement (n=19) with nonused donor hearts with normal LV function (controls, n=12). MMP-2, MMP-9, MT1-MMP, and extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4 mRNA were quantitated by real-time RCR. MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, TIMP-3, TIMP-4, and EMMPRIN protein were measured by immunoblotting and MMP-9 and TIMP-1 protein by ELISA. Gelatinolytic MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity was measured by zymography. MMP-2 was increased in AS at mRNA, protein, and activity levels (131%, 193%, and 138% of controls). MMP-3 protein (308%) and EMMPRIN mRNA and protein were also upregulated (171% and 200%). In contrast, MMP-1 (37%) and MMP-9 mRNA, protein, and activity (26%, 21%, and 52%) were downregulated. MMP-9 activity was inversely correlated with LV size. TIMP-1 mRNA and protein were decreased (55% and 73%). In contrast, TIMP-2 mRNA (358%), TIMP-3 mRNA and protein (145% and 249%) were increased. TIMP-4 mRNA was not altered, but TIMP-4 protein was upregulated to 350%. Changes were similar in AS patients with normal and impaired LV ejection fraction. The dysregulation of myocardial MMPs and TIMPs in human AS starts at an early disease stage when LV function is still normal. In spite of upregulation of some MMPs the balance between MMP and TIMP is shifted towards MMP inhibition in human AS and may contribute to collagen accumulation.     

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases, their tissue inhibitors, and osteopontin in the wall of thoracic and abdominal aortas with dilatative pathology

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade extracellular matrix and may play a central role in the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysms. We studied 2 groups of patients: 15 with dilatative pathology of the ascending thoracic aorta and 17 with aneurysm of the abdominal aortic wall (AAA). We compared the expression of MMPs, tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and osteopontin in the wall of thoracic and abdominal aneurysms. In AAA, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression in inflammatory cells was higher than in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) (median score: 3.5 versus 1, P < .0001; 2 versus 1, P < .04, respectively), whereas MMP-2 demonstrated higher expression in SMCs than in inflammatory cells (median score: 0 versus 4, P < .0001). In ATA, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, and osteopontin expression in SMCs was higher than in inflammatory cells (median score: 3 versus 0, P < .0001; 4 versus 1, P < .0005; 2 versus 0, P < .001; 5 versus 2, P < .0001; 2 versus 0, P < .005; and 5 versus 1.5, P < .0001, respectively), when both inflammatory cells of the media and the adventitia were considered together. The cellular expression of MMP-9 and their tissue inhibitors TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and TIMP-3 differs in the dilatative pathology of abdominal and thoracic aortas, so the hypothetical model of morphogenesis of AAA cannot completely explain the formation of dilatative pathology of the ascending thoracic aorta.     

Tension Force Downregulates Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression and Upregulates the Expression of Their Inhibitors through MAPK Signaling Pathways in MC3T3-E1 cells

Objective: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), produced by osteoblasts, catalyze the turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules in osteoid, and the regulation of MMP activity depends on interactions between MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). We focused on the degradation process of ECM in osteoid that was exposed to mechanical strain, and conducted an in vitro study using MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells to examine the effects of tension force (TF) on the expression of MMPs and TIMPs, and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways.Design: Cells were incubated on flexible-bottomed culture plates and stimulated with or without cyclic TF for 24 hours. The expression of MMPs and TIMPs was examined at mRNA and protein levels by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, p38 MAPK, and stress-activated protein kinases/c-jun N-terminal kinases (SAPK/JNK) were examined by Western blotting.Results: TF decreased the expression of MMP-1, -3, -13 and phosphorylated ERK1/2. In contrast, TF increased the expression of TIMP-2, -3 and phosphorylated SAPK/JNK. The expression of MMP-2, -14, TIMP-1, -4 and phosphorylated p38 MAPK was unaffected by TF. MMP-1, -3 and -13 expression decreased in cells treated with the ERK inhibitor PD98059 compared with untreated control cells. The JNK inhibitor SP600125 inhibited the TF-induced upregulation of TIMP-2 and -3.Conclusions: The results suggest that TF suppresses the degradation process that occurs during ECM turnover in osteoid via decreased production of MMP-1, -3 and -13, and increased production of TIMP-2 and -3 through the MAPK signaling pathways in osteoblasts.     

The role of matrilysin (MMP-7) in leukaemia cell invasion

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important in tumour cell invasion and metastasis in many common cancers. However, relatively few studies have investigated the role of MMPs and their inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), in leukaemia cell invasion. This study examined two leukaemia cell lines, K562 and HL-60 and showed that the K562 cell line was four times more invasive than the HL-60 cell line. The expression of MMP-2, matrilysin (MMP-7), MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 was analysed. Both cell lines produced similar amounts of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2. The K562 cells expressed more TIMP-1 than the HL-60 cells and neither cell line expressed TIMP-3. Interestingly, only the K562 cells expressed matrilysin suggesting a potential role for matrilysin in leukaemia cell invasion. In vitro invasion assays performed in the presence of a matrilysin blocking antibody showed a 40% reduction in invasive ability. This data suggests that matrilysin plays an important role in leukaemia cell invasion. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

基质金属蛋白酶及其组织型抑制剂活性及表达失衡与高血压性左心室重塑的关系

目的： 探讨慢性压力负荷增高时，大鼠左心室（LV）基质金属蛋白酶（MMPs）/组织型基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂（TIMPs）失衡与LV重塑的关系。方法：40只6周龄雄性卒中易感性自发性高血压大鼠（SHR-SPs）作为研究对象，10只同周龄雄性Wistar-Kyoto（WKY）大鼠作为对照。6个月后，以Millar压力容积导管评价2组大鼠的在体LV血流动力学，并对2组大鼠的心脏进行组织病理学、明胶酶谱和免疫印迹法分析。结果：反映LV收缩与舒张功能的血流动力学参数在2组间有显著差异（P＜0.05）；SHR-SPs心脏胶原容积分数、血管周胶原面积/管腔面积、心肌横断面积、心室壁动脉中膜面积/管腔面积均增高（P＜0.05）；心肌MMP-2活性、蛋白含量及TIMP-1蛋白含量在SHR-SPs中明显增高（P＜0.05）。结论：慢性压力超负荷能够导致心脏细胞外基质代谢失调及MMPs/TIMPs系统失衡，继而产生心室腔扩张、LV收缩与舒张功能障碍。     

Expression and implications of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-4 in mouse embryo

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP), and MMP-TIMP interactions may contribute to the highly programmed process of embryo implantation. The loss of the delicate MMP-TIMP balance may lead to abnormal implantation. The role of TIMP-4 in mouse implantation has not been reported. This study examined mRNA and protein expression levels of TIMP-4 in the blastocyst and uteri of pregnant mice. We also investigated the effects of a specific TIMP-4 antibody on embryo outgrowth and on the gene and protein expression levels of two gelatinases. High levels of TIMP-4 mRNA and protein were detected in day 3-5 embryos and in the trophoblast cells of mice blastocysts, suggesting that TIMP-4 may be involved in embryo implantation. Furthermore, TIMP-4 antibody promoted blastocyst outgrowth in a dose-dependent manner, but had no effect on blastocyst adhesion to extracellular matrix. A specific TIMP-4 antibody also increased mRNA and protein expression levels and the enzymatic activities of gelatinase A (MMP-2) and gelatinase B (MMP-9). This study suggests that TIMP-4 may restrict mouse blastocyst outgrowth and embryo implantation by inhibiting the activities of MMP-2 and -9.     

基质金属蛋白酶及其抑制剂在乳腺癌转移、浸润中的作用

目的 :探讨基质金属蛋白酶 (MMP 2、MMP 9)及其抑制剂 (TIMP 1、TIMP 2 )与乳腺癌的关系。方法 :应用免疫组化S P法检测乳腺癌中MMP 2、MMP 9、TIMP 1、TIMP 2的表达。结果　 30例乳腺癌患者中MMP 2阳性表达 14例 ,占 46 7% ,MMP 9阳性表达 16例占 5 3 3% ,TIMP 1阳性表达 4例 ,占 13 3% ,TIMP 2阳性表达 3例 ,占 10 0 %。MMP 2、MMP 9的表达与乳腺癌的淋巴结状况、肿瘤大小相关 ,与年龄、月经状况无关。结论 :MMP 2、MMP 9的表达可以作为估计乳腺癌预后及术后综合治疗的生物学指标     

Matrix metalloproteinase and cytokine production by bone marrow adherent cells from multiple myeloma patients

Introduction Cultures of bone marrow stromal cells derived from the bone marrow of multiple myeloma (MM) patients were shown to exhibit several abnormalities compared with control cultures from healthy subjects. The aim of the study was to examine whether cultures of bone marrow adherent cells, at low passage level, exhibit differences in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cytokine production compared with cultures from normal donors. Materials and Methods MMP production was evaluated by gel zymography and by ELISA in supernatants of serum-free cultures of bone marrow adherent cells derived from 20 MM patients and 23 healthy controls. Spontaneous and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or Newcastle disease virus (NDV)-induced cytokine release was assessed in the supernatants of the cultures by the ELISA method. Results Both cultures produced MMP-1, −2, −3, and −9 under serum-free conditions; however, the levels of MMP-1 and MMP-2 were significantly higher in cultures derived from MM patients, while MMP-3 was significantly higher in control cultures. The level of MMP-9 was comparable in the cultures derived from MM patients and controls. All cultures produced interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-11 spontaneously, but after LPS or NDV induction the levels of IL-10, IL-11, interferon α, and tumor necrosis factor α, were significantly higher in the cultures derived from MM patients than in control cultures. Conclusions The results indicate that both the abnormalities in MMP production and the overproduction of cytokines (in the presence of LPS or virus, which mimic inflammatory conditions) may be involved in bone destruction and tumor spread in multiple myeloma.     

Coordinate Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 Expression in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) by human vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) was monitored as a function of the phenotypic modulation in vitro. Cell phenotype was manipulated by varying serum concentration and cell density. Synthetic phenotype was characterized by a minimum expression of the contractile proteins and a maximal proliferation rate. Contractile phenotype was quiescent and expressed a maximal level of contractile proteins. Synthetic cells expressed the highest levels of both MMP-1 and TIMP-1 and displayed maximal collagenolytic activity. No significant change was detected in MMP-2 expression or catalytic activity. Enzyme immunoassays revealed that MMP-1 expression fell by 77 ± 2.4-95 ± 0.5%, and that of TIMP-1 by 34 ± 0.5-59 ± 1.9%, as the cells acquired a contractile phenotype. The level of the MMP-1/TIMP-1 complex was similarly reduced by 78 ± 2.9-85 ± 1.6%. These data demonstrate that the expression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 are coordinately regulated with SMC phenotype.     

MMP-7、MMP-10和TIMP-4在心力衰竭心室重构中的表达

目的:应用细胞因子抗体芯片技术筛选与心力衰竭心室重构关系密切的基质蛋白酶。方法:从本院的心脏病组织库中挑选6例病理诊断明确和各方面资料比较齐全的致心律失常性右室心肌病引起心力衰竭的心脏病标本(来源于心脏移植的受体),与年龄、性别和种族等因素相匹配的正常对照心脏组织(来源于心脏移植的供体)进行细胞因子抗体芯片分析,筛选在致心律失常性右室心肌病引起的心力衰竭中差异表达的基质蛋白酶,并应用酶联免疫分析和免疫组织化学的方法加以验证。结果:在所筛选的17种基质金属蛋白酶中,只有MMP-7和MMP-10在致心律失常性右室心肌病引起心力衰竭中高表达,而在4种基质金属蛋白酶内源性组织抑制剂中,只有TIMP-4 低表达。经酶联免疫分析和免疫组织化学的方法证实,不仅在致心律失常性右室心肌病引起心力衰竭的心肌,在缺血性心肌病和扩张性心肌病引起的心力衰竭心肌中也发现MMP-7和MMP-10 的高表达及TIMP-4的低表达。结论:心肌组织中MMP-7和MMP-10的高表达及TIMP-4的低表达在不同心肌病引起的心力衰竭心室重构分子机制中可能发挥重要的作用。     

The metalloproteinase inhibitor TIMP-2 is down-regulated by androgens in LNCaP prostate carcinoma cells

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) have been shown to perform several biological functions in tumor promotion, principally by their action of inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) at different steps of the metastatic process. In particular, TIMP-2 is involved in a functional complex with the membrane-type 1 (MT1) MMP to convert the secreted MMP-2 progelatinase into the fully active proteolytic enzyme. We used the human, androgen-sensitive prostate carcinoma cell line LNCaP in coculture with the human osteosarcoma cell line OHS to experimentally address the possibility of androgen-dependent regulatory effects on the functional MT1-MMP/TIMP-2/MMP-2 complex upon interaction between prostate carcinoma and osteoblastic cells in metastasis of prostate cancer to bone. In the LNCaP cells a gradual, time-dependent decline in TIMP-2 mRNA expression was observed in the presence of the synthetic androgen analogue R1881 (100 nM), reaching ∼25% of the control level after 48 h of incubation. Consistent with this, the accumulation of secreted TIMP-2 in media from R1881-treated cells was significantly inhibited already after 3 h. Neither MMP-2 gelatinolytic activity nor expression of MT1-MMP was detected in LNCaP cells. In contrast, the OHS cells showed membrane-associated MT1-MMP expression as well as MMP-2 secretion. However, R1881 treatment of the LNCaP/OHS coculture model did not seem to change the overall proteolytic activity of the MT1-MMP/TIMP-2/MMP-2 complex. Hormonal control of TIMP-2 expression in prostate carcinoma cells has not been previously reported, but whether such regulation has any functional role in the development of osteoblastic metastases in prostate cancer is still unclear. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The effects of the initial treatment phase and of adjunctive low-dose doxycycline therapy on clinical parameters and MMP-8, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 levels in the saliva and peripheral blood of patients with chronic periodontitis

Introduction The treatment of periodontal disease can consist of bacterial plaque reduction, risk factor elimination, and metalloproteinase inhibitor medication. The level of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are regulated by endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) as well as therapeutic low-dose doxycycline. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the initial phase of periodontal treatment and the effect of doxycycline on clinical parameters and the MMP-8, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 concentrations in the saliva and peripheral blood of patients with chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods The study group consisted of 33 patients with chronic periodontitis. Conventional periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing) was conducted on all the patients and doxycycline (20 mg orally) was administered twice daily for three months. Thirty-three controls received the conventional treatment only. Clinical scores (PI, BI, PD, CAL) were recorded before and three months after the treatment. MMP-8, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 concentrations in saliva and peripheral blood were measured by ELISA before and after the treatment of 20 patients from the study group and 13 of the controls. Results The application of doxycycline 20 mg resulted in significant improvement in clinical parameters compared with the conventional periodontal treatment. Doxycycline did not produce significant reductions in MMP-8 and MMP-9 levels in saliva observed after the conventional treatment. The study revealed increases in the TIMP-1 concentration and the MMP-8/TIMP-1 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios in saliva and blood after treatment with doxycycline. Conclusions The study confirmed the modulating effect of doxycycline on the host response in chronic periodontitis.