Imbalance of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases: a novel approach for explaining the parenchymal liquefaction of the septic spleen?

OBJECTIVE: The causal pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the parenchymal liquefaction of the septic spleen are still far from clear. The balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), is largely responsible for the remodelling of tissues. Deregulation of this balance is a characteristic of extensive tissue degradation in certain chronic inflammatory diseases. METHODS: This study focuses on a search for alterations in the balance between MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase) and TIMP-1 by means of immunostaining, by immunoblotting, and by gel zymography. RESULTS: We found a deregulation of the balance between MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in the septic spleen in favor of the active form of MMP-1. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that active MMP-1 is involved in collagenolytic extracellular matrix breakdown in the septic spleen.