Membrane-type-1 matrix metalloproteinase, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and tissue inhibitor of matrix proteinase 2 in prostate cancer: identification of patients with poor prognosis by immunohistochemistry

Overexpression of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 is associated with poor prognosis in many tumor types. Membrane-type-1 MMP (MMP14) activates MMP2 using pro-MMP2 specific inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of matrix proteinase 2 (TIMP2), as a receptor. We evaluated, by immunohistochemistry on 189 T3N0-2M0 prostate cancer (Pca) cases, the influence of MMP2, MMP14, and TIMP2 expression, individually and in association, on Pca disease-free survival (DFS). We evaluated marker expression separately in cancer, stromal, and benign epithelial (BE) cells according to a percentage scale (0%, <10%, 10%-50%, and >50%). Median follow-up was 4.61 years. In BE cells, there was an inverse relationship between initial prostate-specific antigen serum level and T3 stage with MMP14 expression (P = .003) and between pN stage and TIMP2 expression (P = .04). The most significant results with survival were obtained by dichotomizing the cases between those with less than 10% and at least 10% of cells expressing the marker, the latter category representing overexpression. TIMP2 overexpression in stromal cells was associated with a longer DFS with a hazard ratio of 0.573 (P = .02) for time to recurrence. MMP2 overexpression by BE cells correlated with a shorter DFS using a multivariate trend test (hazard ratio = 1.46, P = .02). Stromal cells expressing less than 10% TIMP2 and MMP2 overexpression was the only combination that was significantly associated with a shorter DFS (log-rank test, P = .0001). This study suggests that MMP14 is involved mostly in Pca implantation and that MMP2 and TIMP2 expression by reactive stromal cells might be used as predictors of DFS in T3N0-2M0 Pca.     

Prognostic significance of expression of matrix metalloproteinase in colorectal adenocarcinomas and their metastases

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 was studied in primary tumors and their metastases in patients with colorectal cancer. The correlation of immunoreactivity with clinical morphological signs, prognosis of the disease, and development of metastases in the liver was analyzed. The level of expression and distribution of markers in patients with colorectal cancer with metastases in the liver differed from that in control patients without metastases. Enhanced expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 was detected in colorectal cancer patients with distant metastases. Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 was associated significantly with low histological differentiation of the tumor, deeper tumor invasion, and was more often observed in tumors of colorectal cancer patients with unfavorable prognosis. Thus, matrix metalloproteinase 9 is a valuable marker for clinical observation and prognosis in patients with this location of the tumor process. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 143, No. 4, pp. 434–437, April, 2007     

Differential expression of matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase genes in the mouse central nervous system in normal and inflammatory states.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) whereas the contribution of the major endogenous counter-regulators of MMPs, the tissue inhibitors of the matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs), is unclear. We investigated the temporal and spatial expression patterns in the CNS of nine MMP genes and three TIMP genes in normal mice, in mice with EAE, and in transgenic mice with astrocyte (glial fibrillary acidic protein)-targeted expression of the cytokines interleukin-3 (macrophage/microglial demyelinating disease), interleukin-6 (neurodegenerative disease), or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (lymphocytic encephalomyelitis). In normal mice, the MMPs MT1-MMP, stromelysin 3, and gelatinase B were expressed at low levels, whereas high expression of TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 was observed predominantly in neurons and in the choroid plexus, respectively. In EAE and the transgenic mice, significant induction or up-regulation of various MMP genes was observed, the pattern of which was somewhat specific for each of the models, and there was significant induction of TIMP-1. In situ localization experiments revealed a dichotomy between MMP expression that was restricted to leukocytes and possibly microglia within inflammatory lesions and TIMP-1 expression that was observed in activated astrocytes circumscribing the lesions. These findings demonstrate specific spatial and temporal regulation in the expression of individual MMP and TIMP genes in the CNS in normal and inflammatory states. The distinct localization of TIMP-1 and MMP expression during CNS inflammation suggests a dynamic state in which the interplay between these gene products may determine both the size and resolution of the destructive inflammatory focus.     

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.     

Prognostic significance of Bcl-2 in clinically localized prostate cancer.

The clinical course of prostate cancer is highly variable and cannot satisfactorily be predicted by histological criteria alone. To study the prognostic significance of Bcl-2 and p53 overexpression in prostate cancer, 137 consecutive radical prostatectomy specimens were examined by immunohistochemistry. Both Bcl-2 and p53 were associated with malignant phenotype. Bcl-2 expression was more frequent in pT3 tumors (31% positive) than in pT2 tumors (5% positive, P = 0.001). p53 overexpression (found in 8%) was associated with high Gleason score (P = 0.03) and increased tumor growth fraction (Ki67 labeling index (LI); P = 0.017). Survival analysis showed that Bcl-2 expression (P = 0.03), high Ki67 LI (P = 0.018), high grade (P = 0.0037), advanced local stage (P = 0.0005), and positive lymph nodes (P = 0.026) were predictors of progression. The combined analysis of Ki67 LI and Bcl-2 allowed the distinction of three groups with different clinical outcome. Prognosis was best in Bcl-2-negative tumors with low Ki67 LI, worst in Bcl-2-positive tumors with high Ki67 LI, and intermediate in the remaining tumors (P = 0.03). These data suggest that altered expression of both Bcl-2 and p53 play a role in prostate cancer progression. Combined analysis of factors regulating both apoptosis and cell proliferation may be relevant in prostate cancer.     

Reduced expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase in nodal metastasis of stomach cancer.

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis of human cancers by mediating the degradation of extracellular matrix components. Therefore, these enzymes and their inhibitor (TIMP-2) constitute promising targets in the development of anticancer therapies. In order to investigate the correlation between expressions of TIMP-2, MMPs and clinical outcome, immunohistochemical staining of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-2 were performed on paraffin-embedded tissue sections of 15 early gastric cancers (EGC) and 15 advanced gastric carcinomas (AGC) without nodal metastasis and 15 AGC with nodal metastasis (AGCn+). MMP-2 and MMP-9 were expressed in neoplastic cell plasma membrane in 83.3% and 88% of cases of AGC, respectively with inter-tumoral variability of staining intensity. MMP-2 and MMP-9 staining were not correlated with presence of nodal metastasis or degree of invasion depth at the time of diagnosis (p>0.05). The immunoreactivity of TIMP-2 was detected in the peri-tumoral stroma. Residual benign stomach tissue showed no or weak immunoreactivity for TIMP-2 staining. Among AGC, neoplasms with diffuse and strong TIMP-2 staining have less frequent metastasis (28.6%) than cases with focal and weak (68.8%) (p<0.05). Early gastric cancer revealed diffuse and strong TIMP-2 expressions. We conclude that clinical outcome such as depth of invasion or metastasis is more closely related to the expression of TIMP-2 than the corresponding MMPs.     

基质金属蛋白酶及其抑制物在高碳酸血症大鼠肺组织中的表达

目的:观察单纯高碳酸血症大鼠模型的血清中性粒细胞蛋白酶(NE)、基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)和金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂(TIMP-1)的活性,以及它们在肺组织中的表达,探讨高浓度二氧化碳(CO2)引起肺组织损伤的机制。方法:雄性Wistar大鼠40只,随机分为正常对照组(A组,20只大鼠)、高碳酸血症组(B组,20只大鼠)。B组大鼠置于高CO2舱中,并向舱中匀速输入6%CO2混合气体(6%CO2,21%O2,73%N2),每天7h,连续4周,完成大鼠高碳酸血症模型的复制。用ELISA法测定大鼠血清MMP-2、MMP-9、TIMP-1活性及NE活性;弹力纤维染色标本进行弹性纤维相对含量的测定;免疫组化方法检测肺组织中MMP-2、MMP-9及TIMP-1的表达及光镜下进行病理学观察。结果:B组大鼠血清MMP-2、MMP-9、TIMP-1活性与A组之间并无显著差异(P0.05);B组大鼠NE活性明显高于A组(P0.01);光镜下可见B组大鼠肺泡壁明显增厚,肺微血管内皮细胞损伤,小静脉扩张,血栓形成;小动脉内皮细胞肿胀,管腔狭窄,血管周围有袖套状水肿区;并可见小灶性肺实质出血;A组大鼠弹力纤维呈束状,连续无断裂;B组大鼠可见弹力纤维断裂降解,且肺组织中弹力纤维的含量较A组明显减少(P0.01);B组大鼠肺组织中MMP-2的表达明显低于A组(P0.01);而肺组织中MMP-9及TIMP-1的表达B组大鼠明显高于A组(P0.01)。结论:通过复制出常压、常氧、单纯高碳酸血症动物模型;单纯的PaCO2增高对肺动脉压无明显影响;高浓度CO2可以使NE活性明显增高,使弹性蛋白的降解增多,肺组织弹性纤维断裂降解,数量减少;在单纯高碳酸血症动物模型中,MMP-2的表达明显降低,MMP-9及TIMP-1在肺组织中表达明显增高,导致肺损伤。     

Induced sputum-retrieved matrix metalloproteinase 9 and tissue metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 in granulomatous diseases

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) capable of degrading various components of connective tissue matrices, and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are considered important in lung parenchymal remodeling and repair processes in pulmonary diseases. Induced sputum (IS) is a reliable noninvasive method to investigate pathogenesis, pathophysiology and treatment of lung disease. This study was designed to determine whether IS-MMP9/TIMP1 levels demonstrate lung parenchymal remodeling in sarcoidosis (SA) and Crohn's disease (CRD) patients. Sputum was induced and processed conventionally in 13 SA patients, 18 CRD patients and 9 controls. Two-hundred cells were counted on Giemsa-stained cytopreps, and T lymphocytes subsets (CD4 = T helper and CD8 = T suppressor cytotoxic cells) were analysed by FACS using monoclonal antibodies.MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were measured using commercial ELISA kits. MMP-9 concentrations, but not those of TIMP-1, were significantly greater in the sputum supernatant in SA and CRD patients compared to controls (P = 0.018 and P = 0.0019, respectively). The molar ratio, MMP-9/TIMP-1, was significantly higher in SA and CRD patients compared to controls (P = 0.008 and P = 0.024, respectively). Gelatinase species having a molecular weight similar to that of MMP-9 were demonstrated by zymographic analysis. MMP-9 levels were highly correlated with the CD4/CD8 ratio and DLCO capacity in SA but less in CRD patients. MMP-9 levels in IS provide a sensitive marker for pulmonary damage.     

软骨肉瘤中MMP-1及TIMP-1的表达及意义

目的 研究软骨肉瘤组织中MMP-1及TIMP-1的表达情况,探讨二者在软骨肉瘤间质浸润中的作用机制.方法 收集32例软骨肉瘤标本和10例内生性软骨瘤标本,分别用免疫组化法、Western blot法、实时荧光定量PCR法检测MMP-1、TIMP-1及Ⅱ型胶原的表达情况.结果 MMP-1和TIMP-1在软骨肉瘤中高表达,并随软骨肉瘤恶性程度的升高而加强(P<0.01);Ⅱ型胶原在软骨肉瘤中的表达降低(P<0.01).结论 MMP-1在软骨肉瘤中通过对细胞外基质(extracellular matrixc,ECM)的降解,来增加软骨肉瘤的侵袭能力.     

急性冠状动脉综合征患者血浆基质金属蛋白酶及其抑制因子的变化

目的：研究急性冠状动脉综合征患者血浆基质金属蛋白酶（MMP-9）及其抑制因子（TIMP-1）的变化。方法：采用夹心酶免疫定量分析技术，测定30例急性冠状动脉综合征患者、29例稳定型心绞痛患者和17例正常对照血浆MMP-9和TIMP-1的变化。结果：3组间年龄、性别、总胆固醇、甘油三脂、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇无显著差异。急性冠脉综合征组高敏C反应蛋白(4.336±1.334) mg/L、MMP-9 (13.145±9.796) μg/L、TIMP-1 (1.363±0.605) μg/L、MMP-9/TIMP-1 (10.013±7.195) 显著高于稳定型心绞痛组[ 分别为(2.205±0.458) mg/L、(2.206±1.996) μg/L、(0.688±0.389) μg/L和(3.249±1.987) ]和正常对照组[ 分别为(1.625±0.434) mg/L、(1.663±1.271) μg/L、(0.583±0.421) μg/L和(5.169±7.416) ]，MMP-9与hs-CRP、TIMP-1、MMP-9/TIMP-1呈正相关。结论：急性冠脉综合征患者存在着由炎症反应导致的以MMP-9升高为主的MMP-9/TIMP-1失衡状态，血浆MMP-9/TIMP-1有可能作为反映急性冠脉综合征患者脆性斑块的指标。     

Serum matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase concentrations in infertile women achieved pregnancy following IVF-ET

PROBLEM: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) play important roles throughout various stages of pregnancy, including embryo implantation, trophoblastic invasion, placentation in early gestation, and cervical dilatation in later gestation, and feto-maternal membrane lysis. It would be beneficial if assessment of serum concentrations of MMP and TIMP could predict successful implantation following in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). This study was performed to compare serum MMP and TIMP concentrations between patients with and without the establishment of pregnancy following ET. METHOD OF STUDY: Ten patients who conceived and 10 patients who did not after IVF-ET were entered in the present study. Only intra-uterine single pregnancies with uneventful courses to term were included in the study subjects. Blood samples were obtained at 7, 14 and 21 days after oocyte retrieval. Serum concentrations of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and TIMP-1 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. These variables were compared with estradiol (E(2)), progesterone (P(4)), and betahCG levels in the patients' sera. Clinical pregnancies were diagnosed only when fetal heartbeat was visualized on ultrasound. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in serum MMP concentrations between the pregnant group and the non-pregnant group. However, serum TIMP-1 concentrations on Days 14 and 21 in the pregnant group were significantly higher than those in non-pregnant group [Day 14: 223.1 +/- 11.9 versus 177.5 +/- 20.6 ng/mL (P = 0.004); Day 21: 215.4 +/- 27.8 versus 181.5 +/- 27.4 ng/mL (P = 0.03)]. Serum TIMP-1 concentrations were also correlated with serum E(2) and P(4) levels (P < 0.0001), but not with those of the MMPs. None of MMP nor TIMP-1 were correlated with serum betahCG level. CONCLUSIONS: It was demonstrated that the patients who successfully conceived after IVF-ET showed significantly higher levels of TIMP-1 at 14 and 21 days after IVF-ET, but not at day 7; further work will be required to determine if serum TIMP-1 can be used to improve prediction of pregnancy outcome in these patients.     

基质金属蛋白酶2及其抑制因子2在子宫腺肌病中的表达及意义

目的 探讨基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP-2)及其抑制因子2(TIMP-2)在子宫腺肌病(AM)在位内膜与异位内膜的表达及意义.方法 选取广州医学院附属广州市第一人民医院2006年2月至2007年9月因AM行全子宫切除术的42例病例(取其在位及异位内膜分为AM在位内膜组和AM异位内膜组)和同期因子宫肌瘤在该院行全子宫切除术的32例病例(取其内膜作为正常子宫内膜组),应用半定量反转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测AM在位内膜、异位内膜及正常子宫内膜中MMP-2、TIMP-2mRNA的表达.结果 (1)MMP-2 mRNA在AM异位内膜组中相对表达量(1.43±0.32)高于AM在位内膜组和正常子宫内膜组(1.22±0.35,0.97±0.37,P＜0.05).TIMP-2 mRNA在AM异位内膜组和AM在位内膜组中均低表达,其相对表达量分别低于正常子宫内膜组(0.96±0.31,1.13±0.30,1.29±0.19,P＜0.05).(2)MMP-2 mRNA、TIMP-2 mRNA在子宫腺肌病在位内膜组、正常子宫内膜组的表达有周期性,分泌期均高于增生期(P＜0.05);而在AM异位内膜组中,两者分泌期与增生期则差异无统计学意义.(3)MMP-2/TIMP-2的比值在AM异位内膜组、AM在位内膜组、正常子宫内膜组中依次递减,其中AM异位内膜组与后两组差异有统计学意义(均P＜0.05).结论 AM异位和在位内膜组织中MMP-2高表达,TIMP-2低表达,使MMP-2/TIMP-2平衡失调,异位内膜组织侵袭降解细胞外基质的能力增强.     

MMP9及TIMP1 mRNA在先兆子痫患者胎盘中的表达及其意义

目的检测基质金属蛋白酶9及其抑制物1的mRNA(MMP9mRNA、TIMP1mRNA)在先兆子痫患者胎盘中的表达,以探求MMP9在先兆子痫发病机制中的意义.方法用半定量逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)技术检测正常妊娠(10例),先兆子痫(22例)剖宫产后胎盘中MMP9、TIMP1基因在转录水平的表达.结果重度先兆子痫胎盘中MMP9mRNA表达量降低(0.05±0.04),TIMP1mRNA表达量增加,MMP9/TIMP1比值下降(0.04±0.03),与轻度先兆子痫及正常对照组比较有明显意义.结论 MMP9表达在基因转录水平就已经下调,同时因TIMP1表达增强其活性进一步被抑制,因而在先兆子痫的发生和发展中有重要意义.     

创伤性关节炎软骨中基质金属蛋白酶13及组织特异性抑制剂1的表达*

背景：关节软骨损伤后继发性退变机制仍不十分清楚。近年研究发现关节软骨细胞外基质合成与降解失衡是造成软骨变性的重要原因之一,其中基质金属蛋白酶可能起决定性的作用。 目的：观察基质金属蛋白酶13及其组织特异性抑制剂1在创伤性关节炎中的表达及与软骨退变的关系。 方法：将新西兰兔分别用骨水泥制作的模具从1.33 kg,46 cm高度和0.43 kg,20 cm高度进行自由落体撞击制备轻型和重型撞击创伤性关节炎兔模型。 结果与结论：苏木精-伊红染色和免疫组织化学染色结果显示,基质金属蛋白酶13和组织特异性抑制剂1在两组均增高(P < 0.05)。组织特异性抑制剂1在重型撞击创伤性关节炎模型兔软骨组织中的分泌明显高于轻型撞击组(P < 0.05)。说明关节软骨在创伤后,基质金属蛋白酶13及组织特异性抑制剂1表达上调,共同作用促进了关节软骨退变,其中组织特异性抑制剂1的过量表达可能是造成关节软骨进一步损害的原因之一。     

维药买朱尼对骨关节炎大鼠模型关节软骨中基质金属蛋白酶1和基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂1的影响

背景：骨关节炎患者关节软骨的损害与基质金属蛋白酶1和基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂失平衡有关。 目的：观察基质金属蛋白酶1、基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂1在关节软骨中的表达及维药买朱尼对其影响。 方法：将20只SD大鼠采用改良Hulth造模法建立大鼠膝骨关节炎模型,按随机数字表法随机等分为买朱尼组和模型组,建模第2周开始分别灌胃维药买朱尼和生理盐水,连续4周。 结果与结论：相比于模型组,买朱尼组大鼠膝关节软骨退变程度减轻,软骨大体评分及Mankin评分降低(P < 0.05),且膝关节软骨细胞中基质金属蛋白酶1的表达降低,基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂1的表达增加(P < 0.05)。说明维药买朱尼可以通过下调基质金属蛋白酶1的表达水平、上调抑制剂的表达水平,对软骨产生保护作用。     

维药买朱尼含药血清影响大鼠关节软骨细胞基质金属蛋白酶1及其组织抑制因子1的表达

背景：基质金属蛋白酶1及其组织抑制因子1的失衡是骨关节炎软骨降解的关键。 目的：观察维药买朱尼对白细胞介素1β诱导的大鼠关节软骨细胞基质金属蛋白酶1及其组织抑制因子1表达的影响。 方法：从1周龄SD大鼠关节中分离培养原代软骨细胞,鉴定后选用第2代细胞随机分为正常对照组、模型组、买朱尼组。模型组和买朱尼组用10 μg/L的白细胞介素1β干预24 h后,买朱尼组在此基础上加入体积分数10%的买朱尼含药血清,模型组加入正常大鼠血清,继续培养12,24,48 h进行实验。 结果与结论：各组细胞培养48 h,RT-PCR检测发现体积分数10%的买朱尼含药血清可上调软骨细胞基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子1 mRNA的表达同时抑制基质金属蛋白酶1 mRNA的表达,但此作用在细胞培养的24,36 h时不明显。同时免疫荧光细胞化学染色也显示买朱尼含药血清可促进软骨细胞基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子1的表达。说明买朱尼可以调节白细胞介素1β诱导的大鼠关节软骨细胞基质金属蛋白酶1及其组织抑制因子1的表达,且此作用具有时间依赖性。     

Remodeling associated expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 but not tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 in airway epithelium: modulation by immunostimulatory DNA

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and its tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) are hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of airway remodeling in asthma. OBJECTIVE: We have used a mouse model of airway remodeling to determine the pattern of expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in airway epithelium and peribronchial cells, and assess whether TIMP-1, an inhibitor of MMP-9, is expressed at the same sites in the airway. In addition, we have investigated whether immunostimulatory sequences (ISSs) of DNA modulate levels of expression of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and peribronchial fibrosis. METHODS: Levels of lung MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were assessed by zymography, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Repetitive ovalbumin challenge induced a significant increase in levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and peribronchial collagen deposition. The pattern of expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the remodeled airway was significantly different. MMP-9 but not TIMP-1 was expressed in airway epithelium, whereas both MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were expressed in peribronchial inflammatory cells. ISS significantly reduced expression of MMP-9 in airway epithelium (which immunostained positive for Toll receptor 9), as well as in peribronchial inflammatory cells. In vitro studies demonstrated that ISS inhibited bone marrow macrophage generation of MMP-9. CONCLUSION: Allergen-induced peribronchial fibrosis is associated with expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 at different anatomical sites in the remodeled airway. The ability of ISS to inhibit the expression of MMP-9 in airway epithelium (a site where its inhibitor TIMP-1 is not induced by allergen challenge) may be important in determining whether ISS contributes to reductions in airway remodeling by reducing levels of MMP-9. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Immunostimulatory sequences of DNA, which are being investigated as novel therapeutics in asthma, inhibit airway remodeling in mice as well as epithelial expression of MMP-9, an enzyme that degrades the extracellular matrix proteins surrounding the airway.     

Differential expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 in non-melanoma skin cancer: implications for tumour progression

AIMS: To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 in non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and to compare their expression between different tumour types and with clinicopathological factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: A study of 11 normal skin, 29 Bowen's disease (BD), 40 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 38 basal cell carcinoma (BCC) samples for MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression was carried out using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The expression of all metalloproteinases was greater in tumours than in normal skin. MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression was more extensive in the stroma of SCC than of BCC or BD. TIMP-1 expression was greater in the stroma of BCC than of SCC or BD and TIMP-2 expression was greater in the stroma of SCC than of BD. There was a correlation between increased metalloproteinase expression and depth of lesion (MMP-2 and TIMP-2), inflammation (MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) and microvessel density (MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2). CONCLUSIONS: MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 play an important role in the pathogenesis of non-melanoma skin cancer, but differ significantly in their expression levels between the tumour types examined. The immunoexpression of these proteins may be useful indicators of cutaneous cancer invasion and progression.