慢性充血性心力衰竭患者血清基质金属蛋白酶与骨桥蛋白变化的相关性研究

目的探讨慢性充血性心力衰竭（CHF）患者血清基质金属蛋白酶（MMPs）及其组织抑制因子（TIMPs）和骨桥蛋白（OPN）的变化及相关性。方法CHF患儿24例，正常对照组15例。采用ELISA法测定血清MMP-9和TIMP-1的含量,ELISA法测定血清OPN的含量，分析MMP-9／TIMP-1值与OPN和左室舒末内径（LVEDD）及射血分数（EF）的关系。结果CHF患者血清MMP-9、MMP-9／TIMP-1值和OPN含量明显增加（P均〈0．01），TIMP-1含量明显减少（P〈0．01），MMP-9／TIMP-1值与OPN含量和LVEDD呈正相关（P〈0．05），与EF呈负相关（P〈0．05）。结论CHF患者MMP-9／TIMP-1值与OPN含量呈明显的正相关；MMP-9／TIMP-1值与OPN含量的变化，可反映心衰的严重程度并加速了心功能的恶化。     

Thrombin upregulates production of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 in human peritoneal mesothelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of thrombin, which is generated intraperitoneally during peritoneal dialysis, on the synthesis of fibrinolytic system components in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HMC). METHODS: Confluently grown HMC, isolated from the omental tissue, were used in the experiments. Conditioned media were obtained by incubating cells with serum-free M199 containing the appropriate concentration of the test compound. Tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) antigen concentrations were measured by ELISA. Northern blot analysis was conducted for mRNA expression experiments. To test thrombin specificity, we used the thrombin inhibitor hirudin. The protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Ro 31-8220 was inserted to examine whether the effect of thrombin depends on PKC activity. RESULTS: Thrombin increased PAI-1 antigen in the conditioned media of HMC in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. After 24 hours incubation, PAI-1 levels increased from 350+/-30 ng/10(5) cells in control conditions to 620+/-30 ng/10(5) cells in HMC exposed to 5 U/mL thrombin (n = 8, p < 0.05). In contrast, there was no effect of thrombin on tPA antigen levels. An increase of PAI-1 mRNA expression was also observed by Northern blot hybridization. Hirudin (10 U/mL) inhibited the thrombin-induced increase in PAI-1 synthesis. In addition, a complete inhibition of the stimulating effect of thrombin on PAI-1 synthesis was obtained by blocking PKC activity with Ro 31-8220 (3 micromol/L). CONCLUSIONS: Thrombin increases PAI-1 synthesis in HMC via a PKC-dependent mechanism.Thereby the synthesis of tPA is not affected. Thus, thrombin may not only promote fibrin formation in the peritoneal cavity, but may also inhibit fibrin degradation by release of free PAI-1 from HMC.     

Effect of NOS inhibition on rat gastric matrix metalloproteinase production during endotoxemia

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade the extracellular matrix and contribute to LPS-induced gastric injury. MMPs are closely modulated by their activators, membrane type-MMP (MT-MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). As LPS-induced gastric injury is mediated in part by iNOS, and NO modulates MMP production in vitro, we hypothesized that NOS inhibition would similarly modulate LPS-induced gastric MMP production. Therefore, the purpose of these studies was to compare the effects of selective and nonselective NOS inhibition on LPS-induced gastric MMP production. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were given either the nonselective NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 5 mg/kg, s.c.), a selective iNOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine (45 mg/kg, i.p.) or L-N-iminoethyl-lysine (L-NIL; 10 mg/kg, i.p.), or vehicle 15 min before saline or LPS (20 mg/kg, i.p.) and killed 24 h after LPS administration. Stomachs were assessed for macroscopic injury (computed planimetry), and gastric mucosal MMP production was assessed by gelatin zymography, in situ zymography, and Western analysis for MMP-2, MT1-MMP, and TIMP-2. (n > or = 4/group; ANOVA). RESULTS: Aminoguanidine treatment decreased LPS-induced macroscopic gastric injury as well as MMP-2 and MT1-MMP protein production while having no effect on TIMP-2 protein levels. L-NIL similarly attenuated the induction of MMP-2 and MT1-MMP by LPS. L-NAME failed to attenuate LPS induced gastric injury or MT1-MMP protein induction and increased MMP-2 levels. L-NAME similarly had no effect on gastric TIMP-2 production. CONCLUSIONS: Selective iNOS inhibition decreases gastric MMP-2 activity after LPS administration, whereas nonselective inhibition increases MMP-2 levels. The ability of selective iNOS inhibition to ameliorate LPS-induced gastric injury may be due in part to its inhibition of active MMP-2 production, whereas nonselective NOS inhibitors increase MMP-2 levels and maintain gastric injury after LPS administration.     

地塞米松对高氧肺损伤大鼠肺组织基质金属蛋白酶及其组织抑制剂表达的影响

目的 观察地塞米松对高氧暴露大鼠肺组织中基质金属蛋白酶(MMPs)及其组织抑制剂(TIMPs)表达的影响,探讨地塞米松治疗高氧肺损伤的作用机制。方法 2周龄Wistar大鼠32只,随机分为空气组和高氧组(各16只)。高氧暴露7 d后,取两组大鼠各8只检测支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)蛋白含量和肺湿/干重比(W/D),并观察肺组织病理学改变。余16只大鼠行肺组织培养,空气组8只作为空气对照组,高氧组8只各设高氧对照组,高氧 地塞米松1×10-8、1×10-6和1×10-4mol/L组,培养24 h后用逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测肺组织中MMP-2、MMP-9、TIMP-1、TIMP-2 mRNA的表达。结果①与空气组相比,高氧组肺组织出现水肿、出血、炎性细胞浸润;BALF中蛋白含量、W/D明显增高。②高氧对照组MMPs、TIMPs mRNA表达和MMP-2/TIMP-2、MMP-9/TIMP-1比值较空气对照组明显增高。③地塞米松能剂量依赖性下调MMP-2、MMP-9 mRNA表达;对TIMP-1、TIMP-2 mRNA表达有一定程度的抑制效应;随地塞米松浓度的增加,MMP-2/TIMP-2、MMP-9/TIMP-1比值亦逐渐降低。结论 地塞米松下调MMPs mRNA表达,调节MMPs/TIMPs之间的失衡,可能是其减轻高氧肺损伤的机制之一。     

Circulating matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in premature coronary atherosclerosis.

To investigate the clinical significance of circulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitos (TIMPs) in patients with premature coronary atheroscrelosis, we studied 53 consecutive male patients with angiographically defined premature (<65 years) and stable coronary artery disease. Plasma levels of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were determined in peripheral blood by a sandwich enzyme immunoassay, and the results were compared with those from 133 age-matched control males. There were significant differences in all the MMPs and TIMPs (p<0.001) between patients and controls. In the patient group, the levels of MMP-9 (mean +/- SD (ng/ml) 27.2 +/- 15.2/21.8 +/- 15.2) and TIMP-1 (130.4 +/- 55.7/94.5 +/- 26.3) were significantly higher, and the levels of MMP-2 (632.5 +/- 191.6/727.6 +/- 171.4), MMP-3 (53.1 +/- 31.2/79.6 +/- 29.9), and TIMP-2 (24.7 +/- 15.2/35.4 +/- 16.4) were significantly lower than those of controls. We found significant positive correlation between plasma MMP-9 levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels (Rs = 0.168, p = 0.022), and significant negative correlation between plasma MMP-9 levels and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels (Rs = -0.164, p = 0.026) by Spearman rank correlation test. In contrast, plasma MMP-2 (Rs = 0.181, p = 0.014) and MMP-3 (Rs = 0.260, p = 0.0004) levels were positively correlated with HDL-cholesterol levels. TIMP-2 levels were negatively correlated with total cholesterol (Rs = -0.197, p = 0.007) and LDL-cholesterol (Rs = -0.168, p=0.022) levels. These results suggest that the circulating levels of MMPs and TIMPs are altered in patients with premature coronary atherosclerosis and that plasma lipoprotein cholesterol levels correlate with these, possibly as a result of the lipoprotein-vessel wall interactions.     

Expression and response to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in renal glomerular damage in young transgenic rats with renin-dependent hypertension

Extracellular matrix expansion in the glomerular mesangium contributes to the development of glomerulosclerosis and chronic renal disease in arterial hypertension. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) are involved in this process. Conflicting data are reported on the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) and the response to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on MMPs and TIMPs in early stages of hypertensive glomerular damage. We therefore investigated the effects of Ang II-dependent hypertension on MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in isolated glomeruli of 8-week-old homozygous male rats overexpressing the mouse Ren2 gene [TGR(mRen2)27]. At this age, systolic blood pressure was already significantly elevated in Ren2 compared with Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (197 +/- 38 versus 125 +/- 16 mm Hg, p < 0.01). Ren2 exhibited renal damage as determined by increased urinary albumin excretion, focal glomerulosclerosis, mesangial matrix expansion, and alpha-smooth muscle actin deposition. Quantification of mRNA levels in isolated glomeruli by real-time polymerase chain reaction showed a significant increase of TGF-beta1, a 2.3- and a 2.6-fold increase of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 in Ren2 compared with SD (p < 0.01, respectively) and no strain differences for TIMP-2. In contrast, MMP-9 mRNA expression was markedly suppressed to 10% of control levels in Ren2 (p < 0.01). Early treatment with ramipril completely prevented renal damage in Ren2 and restored mRNA expression of TGF-beta1, MMP-2, and TIMP-1 to SD control levels. Interestingly, down-regulation of MMP-9 mRNA, protein, and activity was not affected by ramipril, indicating that the protective effect of this compound is not attributable to restoration of MMP-9 in the glomerulus.     

hCG对滋养细胞系侵袭性相关基因表达的影响

目的：揭示人类绒毛膜促性腺激素（hCG）对滋养细胞侵袭性的影响。 方法：以永生化的滋养细胞系JEG-3为研究对象，采用逆转录多聚酶链反应（RT-PCR）方法，观察了hCG对滋养细胞系侵袭性相关基因表达的影响。 结果：JEG-3细胞自身表达MMP-2，而不表达MMP-9或uPA，同时还表达这些蛋白酶的抑制因子TIMP-1、TIMP-2和PAI-1。JEG-3细胞还表达组织蛋白酶B，而未见组织蛋白酶D的表达。在与25 IU/ml hCG温育50h后，MMP-2的表达无显著变化，而TIMP-1和PAI-1的表达显著降低，同时TIMP-2的表达被诱导增加，其它基因的表达无明显变化。 结论：高浓度(25 IU/ml)的hCG可能通过改变蛋白水解酶及其抑制因子的表达而减弱滋养细胞的侵袭性。     

Increase in the ratio of matrix metalloproteinase-9 to tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in saliva from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome

BACKGROUND: To investigate the ratio of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) to tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) in primary Sj?gren's syndrome (PSS), patients and healthy subjects MMP-2, 9 and TIMP-1, 2 levels were measured in saliva. METHODS: Stimulated whole-mixed saliva was collected from 32 patients and 26 healthy subjects. MMP-2, 9 and TIMP-1, 2 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the sandwich enzyme immunoassay (sandwich EIA). Zymography and reverse zymography were used to identify MMPs and TIMPs. RESULTS: MMP-9 (gelatinase-B) level in saliva was significantly increased in the patients. MMP-9 (ng/ml): patients 231.02 +/- 151.77 (mean +/- S.D.), healthy subjects 145.87 +/- 111.65 (p < 0.05). MMP-2 levels were not detected with this system kit in either healthy subjects or patients. The differences in TIMPs were only trends and not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Accordingly, MMP-9/TIMP-1 was greatly increased in the patients (2.60 +/- 1.18) than in the healthy subjects (1.28 +/- 1.11) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study found that MMP-9/TIMP-1 and MMP-9 levels in the saliva were significantly higher in pSS patients than those in healthy subjects. Our results indicate that the increase in MMP-9/TIMP-1, rather than the increase in MMP-9, in pSS patients' saliva is strongly involved in destruction of glandular and salivary duct tissues.     

Insulin-blood cardioplegia decreases matrix metalloproteinase activity in ischaemia-reperfusion injury during coronary artery bypass surgery

Reperfusion of myocardium during coronary bypass activates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) with changes occurring in the levels of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the myocardium. This study investigated the effects of insulin-blood cardioplegia on MMP activity and TIMP levels during reperfusion. Non-diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft with cardiopulmonary bypass were randomized into a control group (n = 12) or an insulin group (n = 12). Blood cardioplegia was used for both groups; insulin and glucose were added to the insulin group. Blood samples were obtained from the coronary sinus just before aortic cross clamping and after 1 and 30 min of reperfusion. Plasma proenzyme MMPs (proMMP-2 and -9) and TIMPs (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) levels were measured. There were no differences between groups for MMP-2 and TIMP-2 levels. However, insulin diminished proMMP-9 activation, although some still occurred. TIMP-1 consumption lessened during reperfusion which, we conclude, was as a result of the diminished MMP activation. This is the first open heart surgery study in which diminished MMP activation was achieved via a metabolic change.     

Beta-2 microglobulin in patients on peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis

Serum beta 2 microglobulin (beta 2 mu) levels were determined in 62 patients on chronic dialysis, divided according to the type of dialysis--cuprophane hemodialysis, chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), or CAPD started after 76 +/- 47 months on cuprophane hemodialysis--and to residual urine output greater than 400 mL/day or less than 10 mL/day. In addition, for patients on CAPD, peritoneal excretion, peritoneal clearance, and urinary excretion of the protein were determined. In anuric patients serum beta 2 mu levels were significantly higher in HD than in CAPD. In patients with residual urine output, serum concentrations of the microprotein were similar in HD and in CAPD. Significant differences were observed in beta 2 mu serum levels and peritoneal clearances in patients switched to CAPD from hemodialysis as compared to those starting with CAPD. Peritoneal clearances of the microprotein was slightly and non-significantly greater in patients with urine output than in anuric patients.     

Effect of hemodialysis on the plasma level of type IV collagenases and their inhibitors

OBJECTIVES: Increased cell expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was associated with the development of atherosclerosis and osseoarticular tissue destruction in hemodialysis patients. In this study, the pre- and post-HD plasma concentrations of type IV collagenases and their inhibitors in HD patients were examined. DESIGN AND METHODS: Commercial ELISA kits and Zymography techniques were used to assay the parameters in 40 patients pre- and post-HD session. RESULTS: After the hemodialysis process, MMP-9, MMP-2 and TIMP-2 levels were 124 +/- 72, 706 +/- 242 and 248 +/- 90 ng/mL, significantly different from the pre-HD values (187 +/- 148, 759 +/- 304 and 43 +/- 14 ng/mL). TIMP-1 were not affected by HD. Female subjects and patients with chronic glomerulonephritis had higher TIMP-2 than their counterparts (p < 0.05). The effect of gender on MMP-2 levels was interacted with that of membrane types (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These results indicated that the hemodialysis process tends to decrease the overall activity of the peripheral plasma MMP system in HD patients.     

Characterization of subtypes of hypertension in CAPD patients by cyclic guanosine monophosphate.

OBJECTIVE: While most hypertensive patients with end-stage renal disease normalize high blood pressure with fluid removal by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), there is a significant proportion of CAPD patients whose blood pressure can be controlled only by antihypertensive drugs. METHOD AND PATIENTS: To study the hypothesis that such patients are still volume overloaded, we used plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) as a marker for hydration status. Thirty-two CAPD patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1, normotensive patients (n = 12); group 2, hypertensive patients who normalized their blood pressure with fluid removal (n = 12); group 3, hypertensive patients whose blood pressure was refractory to intensified fluid removal (n = 8). RESULTS: Mean cGMP levels were significantly higher in dialysis-sensitive hypertension (27 +/- 5 pmol/mL) than in dialysis-refractory hypertension (15 +/- 2 pmol/mL), or in normotensive patients (13 +/- 4 pmol/mL). Reduction of excess fluid in volume overloaded hypertensive CAPD patients resulted in a normalization of cGMP levels (14 +/- 8 pmol/mL), but did not affect this volume marker in patients with dialysis-resistant hypertension (10 +/- 4 pmol/mL). CONCLUSION: Plasma cGMP levels are elevated in volume overload-induced hypertension complicating CAPD. Hypertensive CAPD patients whose plasma cGMP levels are within normal limits have raised blood pressure refractory to volume removal. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that inadequate removal of excess volume plays a major role in a subset of patients with CAPD hypertension.     

基质金属蛋白酶及其组织抑制剂与滋养细胞侵袭性生长关系的研究

目的了解基质金属蛋白酶（MMPs）和组织抑制剂（TIMPs）在滋养细胞中的定位及其在不同滋养细胞病变中的表达和相互调节作用.方法采用免疫组化方法检测MMP-2、MMP-9和TMP-1、TIMP-2在绒毛膜癌、侵袭性水泡状胎块、水泡状胎块、胎盘植入和超常反应胎盘部位等病变以及胎盘着床部位中的表达.结果MMP-2、9和TIMP-1、2主要在中间滋养细胞和合体滋养细胞表达.滋养细胞在胎盘着床部位仅表达MMP-2;超常反应胎盘部位和胎盘植入不但表达MMP-2,而且多数病例MMP-9（＋）,但阳性强度弱,TIMP-1和TIMP-2（-）;水泡状胎块较强表达MMP-2,伴持续性滋养细胞疾病MMP-9和TIMP-1、2（＋）;侵袭性水泡状胎块和绒毛膜癌MMP-2和MMP-9表达明显增强,TIMP-1和TIMP-2多数（＋）.结论在病理性妊娠中MMP-9活性增强可导致滋养细胞发生过度浸润.MMP-9的过度表达和TIMP-1、2的轻微增加,可能共同增强了肿瘤细胞的侵袭能力.     

Matrix metalloproteinase profile in patients with Creuztfeldt-Jakob disease

Preliminary findings suggest that abnormalities in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity may be found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). In this study of 16 subjects with CJD and 16 age-, and sex-matched controls, we determined the presence of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in their active and proenzyme forms, the relative levels of MMP-3 and four inhibitors of MMP activity (TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3 and TIMP-4), and the concentration of 4-3-3 protein. The methodology used involved zymography and immunological techniques. The results indicate that, compared with controls, CJD patients have a significantly higher positive frequency of pro-MMP-9 and of the active form of MMP-2, along with significantly higher levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, classical inhibitors of MMP-9 and MMP-2, respectively. We also found a positive correlation between 14-3-3 protein concentration and that of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels (correlation coefficients of 0.793 and 0.798, respectively). These results suggest that abnormalities in MMP and TIMP profiles may be helpful in the biochemical characterisation of CJD.     

Dynamic changes of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in severe sepsis

Purpose

Little is known about the dynamic changes of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) in sepsis. Our aim was therefore to investigate the time course of MMPs and their inhibitors in patients experiencing severe sepsis.

Methods

Our prospective controlled analysis included 38 patients with severe sepsis. Plasma levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were measured daily at a 5-day-long period with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seventeen healthy volunteers were invited as controls.

Results

MMP-2 showed no difference compared to controls, whereas significantly elevated MMP-9 levels were detected on admission (P < .005). Significantly elevated but declining TIMP-1 levels were measured during the whole trial (P < .002-.004). Except for the second day, TIMP-2 levels were significantly lower than controls (P < .05-.009). MMP2/TIMP-1 ratios were significantly lower in septic patients (P < .03-.006), whereas MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratios were elevated throughout our study (P < .03-.006). MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios were significantly lower at the first 3 days (P < .05-.008). MMP-9/TIMP-2 was significantly elevated on admission (P < .006).

Conclusions

Our research is the first follow-up study dealing with MMPs, TIMPs, and their ratios in severe sepsis. Our results indicate that MMPs and TIMPs may play a crucial role in severe sepsis, especially TIMP-1, MMP-9, and possibly TIMP-2, after an extensive study.     

Serum metalloproteinase 9 levels in patients with coronary artery disease: a novel marker of inflammation.

BACKGROUND: The finding that expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs) is induced in atherosclerotic plaques prone to rupture suggests the possibility that patients with atherosclerotic diseases would show enhanced blood levels of MMPs and that MMPs might represent a potential inflammatory risk factor for atherosclerosis. Therefore, the present study was aimed at verifying whether MMPs may represent sensitive markers of inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS: MMP-2, MMP-9, interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen levels were measured in blood samples obtained from 66 cases with previous acute myocardial infarction and 66 control subjects similar for age, sex, and major atherosclerotic risk factors but without history or evidence of atherothrombotic diseases. RESULTS: Biohumoral markers of inflammation and MMP-9 levels were significantly elevated in cases compared with controls (median values 40.6 versus 9.8 ng/mL; p < .0001), whereas MMP-2 levels did not differ between the two groups (median values 839 versus 873 ng/mL; p = .53). A direct correlation was found among MMP-9, CRP, IL-6, and fibrinogen levels. Conditional logistic regression analysis showed that MMP-9 is related to myocardial infarction (p = .006) even after adjusting for cardiovascular medications and CRP. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that measurement of serum MMP-9 levels may represent a novel marker of inflammation in patients with known coronary artery disease and might provide an index of plaque activity in this clinical setting.     

Long-term influence of diet and/or omega-3 fatty acids on matrix metalloproteinase-9 and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A in men at high risk of coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important in the atherosclerotic process. The relationship between MMPs and traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and any influence of lifestyle changes are largely unknown. OBJECTIVES: In a factorial design, we studied the effects of 3 years of dietary counselling and/or n-3 PUFA supplementation (2.4 g/d) on the levels of MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein (PAPP-A) in a population of elderly men at high risk of CVD (n = 563, age 70+/-6 years). We further explored the association between these markers and different disease entities, carotid intima media thickness (IMT) and traditional risk factors for CVD. RESULTS: Smokers had significantly higher levels of MMP-9 (p<0.0001), and TIMP-1 levels were lower in subjects with previous AMI (p = 0.021). MMP-9 was significantly correlated with LDL-C and inversely with HDL-C (both p<0.0001). There were no significant correlations between the measured variables and IMT. Significant reductions in MMP-9 and PAPP-A levels after 36 months were found in all study groups, however, with no between-group differences. CONCLUSIONS: The elevated levels of MMP-9 in smokers and the reduced levels of TIMP-1 in patients with previous AMI reflect an importance of MMPs in the development of CVD. Intervention with diet and/or n-3 PUFA supplementation did not influence the levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1 or PAPP-A in the present population.     

Peritoneal accumulation of AGE and peritoneal membrane permeability.

BACKGROUND: In continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), the peritoneal membrane is continuously exposed to high-glucose-containing dialysis solutions. Abnormally high glucose concentration in the peritoneal cavity may enhance advanced glycosylation end-product (AGE) formation and accumulation in the peritoneum. Increased AGE accumulation in the peritoneum, decreased ultrafiltration volume, and increased peritoneal permeability in long-term dialysis patients have been reported. AIM: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relation between peritoneal membrane permeability and peritoneal accumulation of AGE. METHODS: Peritoneal membrane permeability was evaluated by peritoneal equilibration test (PET) using dialysis solutions containing 4.25% glucose. Serum, dialysate, and peritoneal tissue levels of AGE were measured by ELISA method using polyclonal anti-AGE antibody. Peritoneal biopsy was performed during peritoneal catheter insertion [new group (group N), n = 18] and removal [long-term group (group LT), n = 10]. Peritoneal catheters were removed due to exit-site infection not extended into the internal cuff (n = 6) and ultrafiltration failure (n = 4) after 51.6+/-31.5 months (13 - 101 months) of dialysis. PET data obtained within 3 months after the initiation of CAPD or before catheter removal were included in this study. Ten patients in group N and 4 patients in group LT were diabetic. Patients in group LT were significantly younger (46.5+/-11.1 years vs 57.5+/-1.3 years) and experienced more episodes of peritonitis (3.5+/-2.1 vs 0.2+/-0.7) than group N. RESULTS: Peritoneal tissue AGE level in group LT was significantly higher than in group N, in both nondiabetic (0.187+/-0.108 U/mg vs 0.093+/-0.08 U/mg of hydroxyproline, p < 0.03) and diabetic patients (0.384+/-0.035 U/mg vs 0.152+/-0.082 U/mg of hydroxyproline, p < 0.03), while serum and dialysate levels did not differ between the groups in both nondiabetic and diabetic patients. Drain volume (2600+/-237 mL vs 2766+/-222 mL, p = 0.07) and D4/D0 glucose (0.229+/-0.066 vs 0.298+/-0.081, p < 0.009) were lower, and D4/P4 creatinine (0.807+/-0.100 vs 0.653+/-0.144, p< 0.0001) and D1/P1 sodium (0.886+/-0.040 vs 0.822+/-0.032, p < 0.0003) were significantly higher in group LT than in group N. On linear regression analysis, AGE level in the peritoneum was directly correlated with duration of CAPD (r = 0.476, p = 0.012), number of peritonitis episodes (r = 0.433, p = 0.0215), D4/P4 creatinine (r = 0.546, p < 0.027), and D1/P1 sodium (r = 0.422, p = 0.0254), and inversely correlated with drain volume (r = 0.432, p = 0.022) and D4/D0 glucose (r = 0.552, p < 0.0023). AGE level in the peritoneal tissue and dialysate were significantly higher in diabetics than in nondiabetics in group LT, while these differences were not found in group N. Serum AGE level did not differ between nondiabetics and diabetics in either group N or group LT. Drain volume and D4/D0 glucose were lower and D4/P4 creatinine and D1/P1 sodium higher in diabetics than in nondiabetics in both groups. CONCLUSION: Peritoneal accumulation of AGE increased with time on CAPD and number of peritonitis episodes, and was directly related with peritoneal permeability. Peritoneal AGE accumulation and peritoneal permeability in diabetic patients were higher than in nondiabetic patients from the beginning of CAPD.     

基质金属蛋白酶及其抑制因子在胎儿皮肤内的表达特征及其意义

目的探讨基质金属蛋白酶-2（MMP-2）、MMP-3、MMP-9及金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子-1（TIMP-1）、TIMP-2在不同发育时期胎儿皮肤中的表达特征及其可能的生物学意义。方法24例被测标本中包括不同胎龄（12～40周）的胎儿皮肤。用免疫组化方法和病理技术检测这5种蛋白在胎儿皮肤中定位和表达量的变化规律。结果MMP-2、MMP-3、MMP-9、TIMP-1和TIMP-2在不同时期的胎儿皮肤内均有表达，它们主要分布于表皮细胞、成纤维细胞、毛囊和汗腺上皮细胞以及血管内皮细胞的胞浆中。在早期（胎龄12～18周）妊娠胎儿皮肤中，MMP-2、MMP-3、MMP-9蛋白呈强阳性表达，随着胎儿生长发育，这些蛋白的阳性率逐渐降低，在晚期（胎龄27～40周）妊娠胎儿皮肤中这些蛋白的阳性细胞率均明显低于早期妊娠胎儿（P均〈0．05）。TIMP-1和TIMP-2呈相反的变化规律，在早期妊娠胎儿皮肤中表达水平较低，而在晚期妊娠胎儿皮肤中这两种蛋白阳性细胞率增大，显著高于早期妊娠胎儿（P均〈0．05）。结论MMP-2、MMP-3、MMP-9、TIMP-1和TIMP-2可能对皮肤的发生、结构功能的维持以及创伤后修复起重要作用。在早期妊娠胎儿皮肤中，MMP-2、MMP-3、MMP-9高表达以及TIMP-1和TIMP-2低表达可能与胎儿皮肤创面无瘢痕愈合密切相关。     

Assessment of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-8, MMP-9, and their inhibitors,the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 in obese children and adolescents

ObjectivesTo compare the circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, pro-MMP-2, pro-MMP-9, and total MMP-9, their endogenous inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2, and the MMP-8/TIMP-1, MMP-9/TIMP-1, and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratios in normotensive obese children and adolescents with those found in non obese children and adolescents.Design and methodsWe studied 40 obese and 40 non obese (controls) children and adolescents in this cross-sectional study. MMP and TIMP concentrations were measured in plasma samples by gelatin zymography and ELISA.ResultsObese children and adolescents had higher circulating MMP-8 concentrations, lower plasma TIMP-1 concentrations, and higher MMP-8/TIMP-1 ratios than non obese controls (P < 0.05). We found no differences in pro-MMP-9 or total MMP-9 levels, or in MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios between groups (P > 0.05). While we found no significant differences in pro-MMP-2 levels (P > 0.05) obese subjects had higher TIMP-2 concentrations and lower pro-MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratios (P < 0.05) than non obese controls.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we found evidence indicating higher net MMP-8 (but not MMP-9 and MMP-2) activity in childhood obesity. The increased MMP-8 levels found in obese children suggest a possibly relevant pathophysiological mechanism that may be involved in the increase of cardiovascular risk associated with childhood obesity.