基质金属蛋白酶-2、-9及其组织抑制剂-1在大鼠肺组织中的增龄变化

目的研究基质金属蛋白酶（MMPs）-2、-9及组织型基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂（TIMPs）-1在大鼠肺组织中的增龄性变化规律。方法不同月龄（1月龄、3月龄、12月龄、18月龄、24月龄）雄性清洁级（SD）大鼠47只分为5组,按月龄取实验大鼠的右下叶肺组织,用流式细胞术检测MMP-2、MMP-9及TIMP-1的表达水平,进行定量分析。结果 MMP-2、MMP-9和TIMP-1均随着月龄的增长呈先降后升波谷型曲线变化;3月龄、12月龄和18月龄MMP-2、MMP-9和TIMP-1均较1月龄明显下降,且以12月龄为最低值;24月龄MMP-2、MMP-9和TIMP-1均较1月龄上升。MMP-2/TIMP-1比值和MMP-9/TIMP-1比值均随着月龄的增长呈先升后降波峰型曲线变化;12月龄和18月龄均较1月龄明显升高,且以18月龄为最高点;3月龄的MMP-2/TIMP-1较1月龄有所上升,3月龄的MMP-9/TIMP-1与1月龄持平;24月龄的MMP-2/TIMP-1和MMP-9/TIMP-1较1月龄也有不同程度上升。结论大鼠肺组织中MMPs及其抑制剂TIMPs随月龄的增长,呈特征性变化规律。     

非小细胞肺癌中基质金属蛋白酶13和其抑制剂1表达及与预后的关系研究

目的研究非小细胞肺癌MMP-13、TIMP-1蛋白表达,探讨其与淋巴结转移及预后的关系。方法应用免疫组织化学检测99例非小细胞肺癌组织以及32例正常肺组织中MMP-13、TIMP-1蛋白的表达。结果①MMP-13、TIMP-1蛋白在非小细胞肺癌组织的阳性率分别为51．5％（51／99）和59．6％（59／99）,较正常肺组织中阳性率0%（0／32）和15．6％（5／32）显著增高（P〈0．05）。MMP-13、TIMP-1蛋白表达在不同性别、年龄、组织学类型之间无显著性差异,而与淋巴结转移以及临床分期显著相关（P〈0．01）。MMP-13蛋白表达与临床分期以及淋巴结转移呈正相关（P〈0．01）;TIMP-1蛋白表达与临床分期以及淋巴结转移呈负相关（P〈0．01）。②Kaplan-Meier法显示MMP-13、TIMP-1蛋白与非小细胞肺癌预后相关,Cox多因素模型分析显示MMP-13蛋白表达可以作为非小细胞肺癌独立的预后因子,其过表达提示预后不良;而TIMP-1不能作为独立的预后因子。结论MMP-13是影响预后的独立指标;TIMP-1是影响预后有意义的指标。     

通心络胶囊对心肌梗死模型大鼠MMP-2和TIMP-1表达的影响

目的:探讨通心络胶囊对心肌梗死大鼠基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)及基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂1(TIMP-1)的表达、心脏结构和功能改变的影响.方法:取SD大鼠24只,随机分成假手术组(SH group,n=8),心肌梗死模型组(MI group,n=8),用药组(Treated group,n=8).术后4w,测量左室收缩压(LVSP)、左室舒张末压(LVEDP)、左室上升最大速率(+dP/dtmax)、左室下降最大速率(-dP/dtmax);测定全心重(THW)及左心室称重(LVW),计算THW/体重(BW)、LVW/BW值和心肌梗死面积;用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测血清MMP-2及TIMP-1水平.结果:与SH组比较,MI组心室重量增加,心室功能显著降低,MMP-2升高,TIMP-1降低;与MI组比较,Treated组心室重量降低,心室功能显著增高,MMP-2减少,TIMP-1增加.结论:大鼠心肌梗死后,通心络胶囊能降低血清MMP-2水平,升高TIMP-1水平,抑制左室重构、改善心功能.     

基质金属蛋白酶- 9, 组织抑制因子- 1 在进展期 胃癌中的表达与意义

目的：研究基质金属蛋白酶-9（matrix metalloproteinase-9,MMP-9）及其组织抑制因子-1（tissue inhibitor of metallopmteinase—1,TMP-1）在进展期胃癌中的表达情况,探讨二者的表达与胃癌侵袭转移闻的关系及二者间的联系。方法：应用免疫组化方法检测70例进展期胃癌标本中MMP-9,TIMP-1的表达,并进行回顾性随访。结果：馒反肌层以上者MMP-9的阳性表达（66．67％）明显高于肿瘤局限于粘膜、粘膜下者（20％P〈0.01）。MMP-9阳性表达与胃癌的淋巴转移与肝转移有相关性（P〈0．01）。TIMP-1的表达随胃癌浸润深度增加而减少,当肿瘤突破浆膜时TIMP-1的表达呈现陡降趋势（P〈0．01）。结论：MMP-9的过阳性表达和TIMP-1的表达失衡可能与胃癌转移行为有关。TIMP-1可能抑制胃癌的浸润转移。     

MMP-2、MMP-7、MMP-9、TIMP-1及TIMP-2在乳腺癌组织中的表达及意义

目的:探讨基质金属蛋白酶及其抑制剂在乳腺癌组织中的表达及其与肿瘤浸润转移的关系,为乳腺癌的临床治疗及预后预测提供基础。方法:选择我院2012年5月至2014年5月收治的乳腺癌患者80例,对所选病例的乳腺癌组织、癌旁组织及正常乳腺组织样本进行检测。观察并比较不同乳腺组织中MMP-2,MMP-7、MMP-9、TIMP-1及TIMP-2 m RNA的表达水平。结果:与正常乳腺组织相比较,乳腺癌组织和癌旁组织中MMP-2、MMP-7、MMP-9,TIMP-1及TIMP-2 m RNA的表达显著增加,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。乳腺癌组织中MMP-2、MMP-7、MMP-9、TIMP-1及TIMP-2 m RNA的表达显著高于癌旁组织和正常组织,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。随着肿瘤范围扩大,MMP-2、MMP-7和MMP-9 m RNA的表达水平显著增加(P0.05),而TIMP-1和TIMP-2 m RNA表达无显著变化(P0.05)。随着淋巴结转移进展,MMP-2、MMP-7和MMP-9 m RNA的表达显著增加(P0.05),而TIMP-1和TIMP-2 m RNA无显著变化(P0.05)。结论:MMP-2、MMP-7、MMP-9、TIMP-1和TIMP-2的m RNA在乳腺癌组织中呈高表达,这可能与乳腺癌的发生和发展有关,而MMP-2、MMP-7和MMP-9可能有助于预测乳腺癌的侵袭行为。     

基质金属蛋白酶和组织金属蛋白酶抑制剂在肾细胞癌组织中的表达

目的:基质金属蛋白酶及组织金属蛋白酶抑制剂在肾细胞癌转移中占有重要的作用,研究肾细胞癌组织中MMP-2、MMP-9、TIMP-1和TIMP-2的表达情况,为肾癌转移的治疗提供理论依据。方法:选取36例肾细胞癌肾组织标本,从相同的肾细胞癌组织及癌旁肾组织获得对照样本,均进行根治性肾切除手术切除。肿瘤分期按TNM分期标准。为了统计评估,肿瘤1期和2期为低级,3期以上为高级。RT-PCR检测肿瘤和正常组织中的MMP-2、MMP-9、TIMP-1和TIMP-2的表达。结果:不同样本MMPs和TIMPs表达水平各不相同。肾细胞癌组织中MMP-2、MMP-9、TIMP-1、TIMP-2在肾细胞癌中的表达明显高于正常肾组织(P0.05)。在肾细胞癌的肿瘤分期方面,MMP-2与MMP-9和肿瘤的分期显著相关,随着肿瘤分期的增加,MMP-2与MMP-9的表达明显升高(P0.05),而TIMP-1与TIMP-2与肿瘤的分期无关。结论:肾细胞癌组织中TIMP-2、MMP-2,MMP-9,TIMP-1的mRNA表达显著高于正常肾组织,抑制MMPS的表达将成为治疗肾细胞癌转移的新的方向。     

Complex role of matrix metalloproteinases in angiogenesis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) play a significant role in regulating angiogenesis,the process of new blood vessel formation.Interstitial collagenase (MMP-1),72kDa gelatinase A/type IV collagenase (MMP-2),and 92 kDA gelatinase B/type IV collagenase (MMP-9) dissolve extracellular matrix (ECM) and may initiate and promote angiogenesis.TIMP-1,TIMP-2,TIMP-3,and possibly,TIMP-4 inhibit neovascularization.A new paradign is emerging that matrilysin (MMP-7),MMP-9,and metalloelastase (MMP-12) may block angiogenesis by converting plasminogen to angiostatin,which is one of the most potent angiogenesis antagonists.MMPs and TIMPs play a complex role in regulating angiogenesis.An understanding of the biochemical and cellular pathways and mechanisms of angiogenesis will provide important information to allow the control of angiogenesis,e.g.the stimulation of angiogenesis for coronary collateral circulation formation;while the inhibition for treating arthritis and cancer.     

基质金属蛋白酶及其抑制剂在乳腺癌中的表达

目的:研究基质金属蛋白酶2(Matrix Metalloproteinase-2,MMP-2),基质金属蛋白酶7(MMP-7),基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP-9),膜型基质金属蛋白酶(Membrane Type-1 Matrix Metalloproteinase,MT1-MMP),金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂1(Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase,TIMP-1),金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂2(TIMP-2)在乳腺癌组织中mRNA的表达,及与临床病理变量之间的关联。方法:采用150例乳腺癌患者的组织样本。使用半定量逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法来测定肿瘤组织和正常乳腺组织中MMP-2,MMP-7,MMP-9,MT1-MMP,TIMP-1和TIMP-2的mRNA表达。结果:MMP-2,MMP-7,MMP-9,MT1-MMP,TIMP-1和TIMP-2在乳腺癌中的mRNA表达显著高于正常组织。结论:MMP-2,MMP-7,MMP-9,和MTI-MMP的表达增加和临床病理参数之间的关联,可以用来预测乳腺癌的侵害行为。     

基质金属蛋白酶-2、-9及其组织抑制因子（TIMPs）在动情周期大鼠子宫中的表达

基质金属蛋白酶（MMPs)家族的作用是降解所有细胞外基质,其活性受其特异性组织抑制因子（TIMPs)的抑制。细胞外基质成分的降解与重组在动物生殖生长过程中起重要作用,其变化可以通过MMPs和TIMPs两者表达水平的变化进行监测。大鼠虽然没有月经形成,但是在其子宫内膜也出现类似灵长类的生殖生物学变化。本文从MMPs和TIMPs两者的表达水平,对大鼠子宫内膜的这些变化进行了研究。于大鼠动情周期的不同时期,将算处死,取子宫制备酶粗提液和组织切片,采用酶谱法(zymography)和原位杂交方法研究动情周期大鼠子宫中MMP-2和-9的活性变化以反MMP-2、-9和TIMP-1、-2、-3mRNA的表达。并通过光密度扫描方法对酶谱结果进行半定量分析。所用杂交探针见Table 1．酶谱结果显示：在动情周期大鼠子宫中只检测到67kDa的MMP-2活性,而没有检测到MMP-9的活性(Fig.1)。MMP-2的活性在动情前期最高,动情期和动情后期次之,同情期最低(Flg．2)。原位杂交结果显示：MMP-2、-9、TIMP-1、-2、-3m RNA主要在子宫内膜基底部的基质细胞中表达。MMP-2和-9 mRNA在动情前期、动情期和动情后期子宫内膜基底部的基质细胞和动情期子宫环行肌层中表达均较强,在间情期表达较弱。MMP-9 mRNA在动情期腔上皮和腺上皮细胞中也有较弱的表达(Fig．3)。TIMP-1 mRNA在动情期和动情后期子宫内膜基底部的基质细胞中以及动情期腔上皮和腺上皮细胞中表选较强,在动情前期和间情期表达较弱(Fig．4)。TIMP-2 mRNA在动情期和间情期子宫内膜基底部的基质细胞中以度在动情期上皮细胞中表达较强,在动情前期和动情后期表逮较弱(Fig.4)。TINP-3 mRNA在动情期子宫内膜基底部的基质细胞中表达最强,在动情后期和间情期次之,动情前期表达最弱。TIMP-3 mRNA在动情期子宫环行肌层中也有较强的表达(Fig.5)。由此可见,MMP-2的活性和MMIP-2的基固表达基本一致,MMP-2和-9及其组织抑制因子TIMPs在时间和空间上的表达也基本一致。提示：MMP-2,-9及TIMP-1、-2、-3共同参与了动情周期大鼠子宫内膜的周期性变化。     

基质金属蛋白酶-9及其抑制剂mRNA在吸烟大鼠肺组织中的表达

目的 研究吸烟大鼠肺组织和肺泡巨噬细胞中基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP-9)和金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂-1(TIMP-1)基因的表达,探讨其在细胞外基质重塑中的作用。方法 建立吸烟大鼠模型,随机分为对照组和吸烟1、2、3、4、5及6月组(每组10只),用原位杂交技术检测肺组织和肺泡巨噬细胞MMP-9和TIMP-1 mRNA表达,用免疫组织化学技术观察Ⅳ型胶原在肺内的表达。结果 吸烟组肺组织和肺泡巨噬细胞MMP-9 mRNA的表达逐渐上升,至吸烟6月时均达高峰;而TIMP-1 mRNA的表达渐上升,至吸烟3～4月时达高峰,后逐步下降;肺组织Ⅳ型胶原的表达在吸烟3月时达高峰,然后渐降。结论 MMP-9／TIMP-1的动态平衡在吸烟大鼠肺气肿模型肺组织的细胞外基质重塑中有重要作用。     

Dynamic expression profiles of MMPs/TIMPs and collagen deposition in mechanically unloaded rat heart: implications for left ventricular assist device support-induced cardiac alterations

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) ameliorate heart failure by reducing preload and afterload. However, extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition after application of LVADs is not clearly defined. The purpose of the present study was to investigate ECM remodeling after mechanical unloading in a rat heart transplant model. Sixty male Lewis rats were subjected to abdominal heterotopic heart transplantation, and the transplanted hearts were pressure- and volume-unloaded. The age- and weight- matched male Lewis rats who had undergone open thoracic surgeries were used as the control. Left ventricle ECM accumulation and the expression/activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) were measured on the third, seventh, and fourteenth days after transplantation/sham surgery. Compared with the control group, myocardial ECM deposition significantly increased on the seventh and fourteenth days after heart transplantation (P?<?0.05) and peaked on the 14th day. The gelatinase activity as well as mRNA expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 significantly increased after transplantation (P?<?0.05). Both mRNA and protein levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 significantly increased compared with those of the control group. Mechanical unloading may lead to adverse remodeling of the ECM of the left ventricle. The underlying mechanism may due to the imbalance of the MMP/TIMP system, especially the remarkable upregulation of TIMPs in the pressure and volume unloaded heart.     

曲美他嗪对肺动脉栓塞所致右心衰竭的保护作用

目的：评价曲美他嗪（TrimetazidineTMZ）对肺动脉栓塞所致右心衰竭的保护作用,及其对MMP-2,MMP-9和TIMP-1mRNA在右心室中表达的影响。方法：雄性wistar大鼠随机分为三组：右心衰竭组（RHF）左侧股静脉注射1％玻球微粒3mV100g;等量生理盐水注射为对照组（CON）;曲美他嗪治疗组（TMZ）为肺动脉栓塞后给TMZl0mg／kg／天。6周后各组大鼠首先进行经胸超声评价右心功能后取材进行病理学检测,以及RT—PCR检测右心室MMP-2,MMP-9,TIMP-1mRNA表达水平。结果：RHF组大鼠超声检测发现右心室内径扩大并伴有三尖瓣反流,三尖瓣环收缩期峰值位移下降（TAPSE）;Masson染色显示右心室纤维化增加;RTPCR结果显示MMP-2,MMP-9和TIMP-1mRNA表达水平明显升高;经TMZ治疗组大鼠右心室内径减小,TAPSE增加,而MMP-2,MMP-9和TIMP-1mRNA表达水平下降。结论：曲美他嗪能够抑制右心室纤维化,改善右心功能,可能与调节MMP-2,MMP-9和TIMP-1表达水平有关。     

基质金属蛋白酶及其抑制因子与扩张型心肌病的关系

目的研究基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)及金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子(TIMP-1)在扩张型心肌病(DCM)中的变化,探讨血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂(ACEI)对心肌纤维化的影响及其调控机制。方法雄性SD大鼠腹腔注射阿霉素(2 mg/kg,每周1次,连续8周)建立扩张型心肌病模型。将达到DCM诊断标准的大鼠分3组:①H组(卡托普利高剂量干预组,50mg/Kg.d);②L组(卡托普利低剂量干预组,25mg/Kg.d);③C组(DCM对照组)。HE染色和苦味酸天狼星红染色观察各组大鼠心肌细胞和间质胶原变化,RT-PCR法检测心肌MMP-2及TIMP-1的表达。结果与正常对照组比较,DCM组心肌细胞坏死明显、胶原纤维和胶原容积分数增加(P<0.05);而H组和L组的胶原纤维较C组减少(P<0.05)。DCM组心肌MMP-2 mRNA表达较正常对照组显著增加(P<0.01),H组和L组较C组降低(P<0.05)。DCM组TIMP-1mRNA的表达较正常对照组降低(P<0.05),H组较C组有所增加(P<0.05)。结论 MMP-2及TIMP-1与心肌细胞外基质的重塑密切相关,ACEI有降解MMP-2的作用,可以减轻心肌间质的...     

Unloading the infarcted heart affect MMPs–TIMPs axis in a rat cardiac heterotopic transplantation model

Ventricular assist devices may function as a bridge to recovery or heart transplantation, however, little is known about its mechanisms. This study examined the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) axis in the process of recovery after unloading in a rat ischemic-induce heart failure (HF) model. Myocardial infarction model was created with the coronary artery ligation. The infarcted rats hearts were unloaded by heterotopic cardiac transplantation (n = 14). 2 weeks later, the function of normal and infarcted hearts with or without loading was evaluated by Langendorff perfusion model. The hearts were then harvested and prepared for the study of expression of MMPs and TIMPs. Developed pressure in the unloading group was higher than the loading group (P = 0.0074). Unloading increased the ratio of TIMP-1–MMP-1(1.38 ± 0.11 vs. 0.76 ± 0.09, P < 0.05), TIMP-2–MMP-2 (1.06 ± 0.10 vs. 0.33 ± 0.07, P < 0.01), TIMP-3–MMP-9(1.07 ± 0.08 vs. 0.59 ± 0.06, P < 0.05). Although MMP-1, 2, 9 were downregulated (P < 0.01, 0.01, 0.05, respectively), TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 upregulated (P < 0.01, 0.05, respectively), MMP-7 and TIMP-1 was not affected significantly. The infarcted cardiac function could be improved by unloading. It was attributed to downregulation of MMP-1, 2 and 9, and upregulation of TIMP-2 and -3, and furthermore, the ratio of TIMPs to MMPs was increased, which might be more sensitive than sole MMPs or TIMPs for the judgment of myocardial matrix homeostasis.     

缺血后处理对缺血／再灌注大鼠心肌间质保护效应机制的探讨

目的：观察缺血后处理（IPIC）对缺血／再灌注（I／R）大鼠心肌基质金属蛋白酶-2（MMP-2）和基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂-2（TIMP-2）变化的影响,探讨IPTC保护I／R心脏间质的机制。方法：24只健康雄性SD大鼠随机分为3组（n：8）：假手术组（SC组）、I／R组和IPTC组。记录各组左室血流动力学变化,观察心肌胶原含量,测定血浆中肌酸激酶（CK）和乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）浓度。以Westernblot法测定心肌组织中MMP-2和TIMP-2蛋白表达水平,以实时定量PCR（RT-PCR）法检测MMP-2和TIMP-2的表达水平。结果：与sC组相比,I／R组心肌胶原含量和左室舒缩功能明显降低,血浆cK、LDH活力和心肌MMP-2蛋白表达及mRNA水平明显升高,TIMP-2蛋白及mRNA水平明显降低;而IPTC组,大鼠心肌胶原含量和左室舒缩功能明显升高,血浆cK、LDH活力和心肌MMP-2蛋白表达及mRNA水平降低,TIMP-2蛋白及mRNA水平升高。结论：IPTC对再灌注损伤心肌间质有保护作用,其机制可能与抑制心肌中MMP-2表达,促进TIMP-2表达有关。     

Imbalances between Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in Maternal Serum during Preterm Labor

Background

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during pregnancy and parturition. Aberrant ECM degradation by MMPs or an imbalance between MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of preterm labor, however few studies have investigated MMPs or TIMPs in maternal serum. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine serum concentrations of MMP-3, MMP-9 and all four TIMPs as well as MMP:TIMP ratios during term and preterm labor.

Methods

A case control study with 166 singleton pregnancies, divided into four groups: (1) women with preterm birth, delivering before 34 weeks (PTB); (2) gestational age (GA) matched controls, not in preterm labor; (3) women at term in labor and (4) at term not in labor. MMP and TIMP concentrations were measured using Luminex technology.

Results

MMP-9 and TIMP-4 concentrations were higher in women with PTB vs. GA matched controls (resp. p = 0.01 and p<0.001). An increase in MMP-9:TIMP-1 and MMP-9:TIMP-2 ratio was observed in women with PTB compared to GA matched controls (resp. p = 0.02 and p<0.001) as well as compared to women at term in labor (resp. p = 0.006 and p<0.001). Multiple regression results with groups recoded as three key covariates showed significantly higher MMP-9 concentrations, higher MMP-9:TIMP-1 and MMP-9:TIMP-2 ratios and lower TIMP-1 and -2 concentrations for preterm labor. Significantly higher MMP-9 and TIMP-4 concentrations and MMP-9:TIMP-2 ratios were observed for labor.

Conclusions

Serum MMP-9:TIMP-1 and MMP-9:TIMP-2 balances are tilting in favor of gelatinolysis during preterm labor. TIMP-1 and -2 concentrations were lower in preterm gestation, irrespective of labor, while TIMP-4 concentrations were raised in labor. These observations suggest that aberrant serum expression of MMP:TIMP ratios and TIMPs reflect pregnancy and labor status, providing a far less invasive method to determine enzymes essential in ECM remodeling during pregnancy and parturition.     

Angiotensin II receptor blockade improves matrix metalloproteinases/tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 balance and restores fibronectin expression in rat infarcted myocardium

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) have been recognized to play a pivotal role in matrix remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI). The aims of the present study were to examine the expression profile of MMPs/TIMP-1 after MI and to determine whether angiotensin II receptor (ATR) blockade improves MMPs/TIMP-1 balance. Compared with sham-operated rats, in vivo MI-induced a significant elevation of MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 levels and a marked reduction of TIMP-1 and fibronectin (FN) expressions in infarcted left ventricular free wall (LVFW) and hypertrophic interventricular septum (IS) but not in non-infarcted right ventricle (RV). In addition, regional MI increased MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9, while decreased TIMP-1 and FN in infarcted LVFW and hypertrophic IS compared with the non-infarcted RV. Compared with vehicle-treated MI rats, oral valsartan, but not PD123319, limited infarct size, normalized MMPs/TIMP-1 balance and restored FN level. The present findings might further our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of valsartan in myocardial remodeling after MI.     

Hydrogen sulfide protects against vascular remodeling from endothelial damage

Remodeling by its very nature implied synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Although oxidative stress, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) have been implicated in vascular remodeling, the differential role of MMPs versus TIMPs and oxidative stress in vascular remodeling was unclear. TIMP-3 induced vascular cell apoptosis, therefore, we hypothesized that during vascular injury TIMP-3, MMP-9 and -12 (elastin-degrading MMP) were increased, whereas MMP-2 (constitutive MMP) and TIMP-4 (cardioprotective TIMP) decreased. Because of the potent anti-oxidant, vasorelaxing, anti-hypertensive agent, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) was used to mitigate the vascular remodeling due to the differential expression of MMP and TIMP. Carotid artery injury was created by inserting a PE-10 catheter and rotating several times before pulling out. The insertion hole was sealed. Mice were grouped: wild type (WT), wild-type damaged artery (WTD), WT + NaHS (sodium hydrogen sulfide, precursor of H₂S) treatment (30 μmol/L in drinking water/6 weeks) and WTD + NaHS treatment. Carotid arteries were analyzed for oxidative stress and remodeling, by measuring super oxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), p47 (NADPH oxidase subunit), nitrotyrosine, MMPs and TIMPs by in situ immunolabeling and by Western blot analyses. The results suggested robust increase in p47, nitrotyrosine, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-3 and decrease in SOD1 and MMP-2 levels in the injured arteries. The treatment with H₂S ameliorated these effects. We concluded that p47, TIMP-3, MMP-9 and -12 were increased where as SOD-1, MMP-2 and TIMP-4 were decreased in the injured arteries. The treatment with H₂S mitigated the vascular remodeling by normalizing the levels of redox stress, MMPs and TIMPs.