Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-4 (TIMP-4) gene expression is increased in human osteoarthritic femoral head cartilage

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-4 (TIMP-4), the newest member of the TIMP family, blocks the activities of several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) implicated in the arthritic cartilage erosion. By utilizing semi-quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry, we investigated whether the TIMP-4 gene is expressed in human non-arthritic and osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage. Directly analyzed femoral head cartilage showed TIMP-4 RNA expression in 2 of 9 non-arthritic and 12 of 14 OA patients. Femoral head cartilage from 6 of 9 OA patients had elevated TIMP-4 protein compared to the low-level expression in 3 of 8 non-arthritic controls. In most patients, there was correlation between TIMP-4 RNA and protein expression. TIMP-4 protein was also detected immunohistochemically in the upper zone of OA cartilage. The widespread TIMP-4 RNA and protein expression and augmentation in femoral OA cartilage suggests its important role in joint tissue remodeling and pathogenesis of OA. Increased TIMP levels in arthritic cartilage may not be a sufficiently effective defense against cartilage resorption by excessive multiple MMPs and aggrecanases.     

Absence of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 disrupts alveologenesis in the mouse

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) regulate extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) throughout lung development. We examined lungs from TIMP3 null mice and found significant air space enlargement compared with wild type (WT) animals during a time course spanning early alveologenesis (post‐partum days 1, 5, 9 and 14). Trichrome staining revealed a similar pattern of collagen distribution in the walls of nascent alveoli; however, the alveolar walls of TIMP3 mutant mice appeared to be thinner than controls. Assessment of MMP2 and MMP9 activities by gelatin zymography demonstrated a significant elevation in the active form of MMP2 at post‐partum days 1 and 5. Treatment of null pregnant dams with a broad spectrum synthetic metalloproteinase inhibitor, GM6001, on embryonic day 16.5 enhanced the formation of primitive alveoli during the saccular stage of lung development as evidenced by a partial, but significant, rescue of alveolar size in post‐partum day 1 animals. We propose that increased MMP activity in the absence of TIMP3 enhances ECM proteolysis, upsetting proper formation of primitive alveolar septa during the saccular stage of alveologenesis. Therefore, TIMP3 indirectly regulates alveolar formation in the mouse. To our knowledge, ours is the first study to demonstrate that in utero manipulation of the TIMP/MMP proteolytic axis, to specifically inhibit proteolysis, significantly affects lung development.     

Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 as the factors of head and neck tumor metastases

The levels of metalloproteinases (MMP-2,-9), their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1,-2) and extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) were studied in tumor tissue and blood serum from patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical investigation showed much higher expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in tumor tissue compared with MMP-2 and TIMP-2. There was different distribution of the investigated parameters (except TIMP-1) in cancer cells and stroma. Accumulation of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-2 was found mainly in cell elements (fibrocytes, leukocytes, etc.) and in stromal extracellular space. Expression of EMMPRIN was significantly higher in tumor cells than in stromal cells. It is possible that carcinoma cells express EMMPRIN, which may increase MMP production by surrounding cells. There was significant decrease of TIMP-1 expression in carcinoma cells with N1 grade of metastasis than in tumors without metastasis. The level of TIMP-1 in blood serum from patients with tumor metastases to regional lymph nodes was lower than in serum from patients without metastases. Thus, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 play an important role in the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and the TIMP-1 level in blood serum and cancer tissues is linked to the first grade of regional lymph node metastasis.     

乙型肝炎病毒对HepG2细胞侵袭的影响

目的研究HBV全长对HepG2细胞侵袭相关基因表达及活性的影响,探讨HBV在整体水平对HepG2细胞侵袭的影响。方法采用定量PCR分析HBV对HepG2细胞MMP2、9和TIMP1-4基因转录的影响;通过明胶酶谱及反相明胶酶谱检测MMP2、MMP9及TIMPs的活性;应用体外侵袭小室法检测细胞的侵袭能力。结果HBV的复制可以促进HepG2细胞MMP2、MMP9、TIMP1和TIMP3基因的转录,抑制TIMP4基因转录,增强HepG2细胞MMP2、MMP9的活性并增强细胞中TIMP1、TIMP3功能,HBV稳定复制的细胞具有更强的体外侵袭能力。结论HBV可影响HepG2细胞MMPs和TIMPs的基因转录、表达及功能,促进HepG2细胞的体外侵袭,这可能与HBV相关的HCC侵袭转移密切相关。     

The effects of Chamaecyparis obtusa essential oil on pain-related behavior and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in carrageenan-induced arthritis in rats

Chamaecyparis obtusa essential oil (COE) has been widely used to treat allergic diseases and was suggested to exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. This study evaluated the effects of COE on pain-related behavior and pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats with carrageenan (CGN)-induced arthritis. Reduced dynamic weight load on inflamed joint in voluntarily walking rats was used as the behavior test for arthritic pain; 10% COE-treated group was significantly attenuated pain (6–8 h post-CGN injection) compared to VEH (mineral oil)-treated group. In addition, the protein levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6 (6–8 h), and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 (8 h) within the synovial membrane, as well as IL-1β, COX-2 (6–8 h), and IL-6 (5–7 h) within the meniscus, of 10% COE-treated group were significantly reduced. The current results implicate that COE has anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects on arthritis in rats.     

机械性去负荷后心室明胶酶及其组织型抑制剂与细胞外基质变化

目的：探讨左心室在去除压力和容量负荷下心室组织基质金属蛋白酶-2和-9及金属蛋白酶组织型抑制剂-1和-2表达水平与细胞外基质沉积量的关系。方法：12周龄雄性Lewis大鼠建立Lewis-to-Lewis腹腔异位心脏移植模型,形成左心室去负荷状态,并以同龄雄性Lewis大鼠胸腔原位心脏作为对照。移植后14d采用天狼猩红-偏振光法对移植和对照组心脏的ECM沉积量进行分析。心室组织MMP-2和MMP-9活性检测采用明胶酶谱法。MMP-2、MMP-9、TIMP-1、TIMP-2的mRNA表达水平检测采用荧光定量PCR法;TIMP-1和TIMP-2蛋白含量采用Western blot测定。结果：手术后14d,与原位心脏比较,腹腔移植心脏心肌细胞横截面积减小,并伴有心肌ECM沉积量增多（胶原容积分数5．22％±1．6％VS2．21％±0．9％,P〈0．05）,并且MMP-2、MMP-9明胶酶活性明显增强,MMP-2、MMP-9及其组织型抑制剂T1MP-1、TIMP-2的mRNA表达均增加（P〈0．05）,但TIMP-1、TIMP-2增加幅度较MMP-2、MMP-9高,TIMP-1、TIMP-2的蛋白含量均增加（P〈0．05）,TIMP-1增加幅度更为明显。结论：左心室在去除压力和容量负荷状态下心脏心室组织胶原沉积量增加,伴有MMPs／TIMPs系统失衡,尤其是TIMPs系统的明显上调。     

Role of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in tumor invasion and metastasis

The role of various matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)—such as gelatinases, stromelysins, matrilysin, collagenase-3, and membrane-bound MMP (MB-MMP)—in tumor invasion and metastasis is discussed. Data suggesting significance for malignant growth of the expression level of these enzymes and also of their activators and inhibitors are presented. It is concluded that at different stages of tumor progression the activity of different MMPs is displayed, which is regulated by various growth factors and oncogenes. Different malignancies are characterized by changes in activities of specific MMPs. Data are presented which show significance of the ratio between the MMP activity and that of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) in tumor invasion and metastasis, especially in connection with a dual role of TIMP as both MMP inhibitors and activators.     

Matrix metalloproteinase-9,-3 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in colorectal cancer: relationship to clinicopathological variables

The balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their physiological tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) is crucial in tumour invasion and progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of MMP-9, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and to evaluate these proteinases and their inhibitor with respect to clinicopathological variables. Activities of pro- and active MMP-9 were measured in paired tumour and distant normal tissue specimens from 43 patients with CRC using gelatin zymography. ELISA was employed for the determination of MMP-9, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 protein expressions. The activity levels of pro- and active MMP-9 and protein expression levels of MMP-9, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 were higher in tumour tissues than in the corresponding normal tissues; the differences being significant for all (p < 0.05), except TIMP-1. Similarly, active MMP-9/proMMP-9 and the ratio of protein expression level of MMP-9-TIMP-1 were found to be significantly higher in tumour tissues ( p < 0.01). Among all the clinicopathological variables investigated, significant correlations were found between MMP-9 and presence of perineural invasion, MMP-3 and lymph node status, TIMP-1 and tumour differentiation, MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio and histological types ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, MMP-3 was not as notably increased as MMP-9 in tumour tissues. However, different roles may be attributed to MMP-9 and MMP-3 in CRC development and progression. Additionally, assessment of TIMP-1 in relation to MMPs appeared to be crucial in CRC studies to provide a basis for the re-evaluation of the clinical usefulness of TIMP-1 in colorectal cancer.     

Unripe Rubus coreanus Miquel suppresses migration and invasion of human prostate cancer cells by reducing matrix metalloproteinase expression

Rubus coreanus Miquel (RCM) is used to promote prostate health and has been shown to have anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic activities. However, the effects and mechanisms of RCM on prostate cancer metastasis remain unclear. PC-3 and DU 145 cells were treated with ethanol or water extract of unripe or ripe RCM and examined for cell invasion, migration, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity and expression. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt activities were examined. Unripe RCM extracts exerted significant inhibitory effects on cell migration, invasion, and MMPs activities. A significant reduction in MMPs activities by unripe RCM ethanol extract treatment (UE) was associated with reduction of MMPs expression and induction of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) expression. Furthermore, PI3K/Akt activity was diminished by UE treatment. In this study, we demonstrated that UE decreased metastatic potential of prostate cancer cells by reducing MMPs expression through the suppression of PI3K/Akt phosphorylation, thereby decreasing MMP activity and enhancing TIMPs expression.     

Effects of diosgenin on myometrial matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activity and expression in ovariectomized rats

Diosgenin, a traditional Yam extraction, has been used in hormone replacement for menopausal women. We aimed to investigate the influences of diosgenin administration upon the MMP-2 and -9 activity and expression and reproductive hormones of ovariectomized (OVX) rats, a model of menopausal status. Seven-week old female Wistar rats with bilateral OVX or sham operation (controls) were divided and administered different dosages of diosgenin (0, 10, 50, or 100 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. Serum was then sampled for progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) assay and uterine horns harvested. Myometrial MMP-2 and -9 activity and expression were surveyed and myometrial collagen expression was also assayed. The results show higher body weight in OVX rats across the 8 weeks post surgery and no significant differences were noted among OVX or Sham rats with diosgenin supplements. There were lower P4 and E2 concentrations in OVX rats compared to Sham rats, and higher P4 concentration of Sham rats post diosgenin supplement. MMP-2 and -9 mRNA expression and activity was lower in OVX rats, although higher MMP-2 and lower MMP-9 activity/mRNA expression was observed in OVX rats post diosgenin supplementation. Collagen mRNA expression was higher in OVX rats compared to Sham controls, and diosgenin administration decreased collagen mRNA expression in OVX rats. In conclusion, diosgenin is associated with gelatinase expression and collagen metabolism in OVX rats. Diosgenin administration can partially reverse the effects of OVX upon MMP functions and hormone status. Adequate diosgenin supplement might modulate myometrial gelatinase expression and collagen metabolism in menopausal subjects.     

Constitutive expression of IL-22 in the human intervertebral disc and its reduction by exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro

The importance of cytokines in disc degeneration is well recognized. Little is known about IL-22 expression in the human intervertebral disc. We investigated IL-22 immuno-localization in disc tissue, and molecular expression and production of IL-22 by annulus cells cultured in three-dimensional (3D) culture. We examined human disc tissue using immunohistochemistry and we cultured isolated annulus cells in 3D to analyze IL-22 expression and production, and its receptor, IL-22R, in conditioned media. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) also was used to identify significant gene expression networks within the molecular data. IL-22 and IL-22R were immunolocalized in many cells in the human outer and inner annulus; fewer cells exhibited localization in the nucleus. Three-dimensional culture of annulus cells demonstrated production of IL-22 in conditioned media; exposure to IL-1ß or TNF-α significantly reduced IL-22 levels. Significant decreases also were identified in conditioned media assayed for IL-22R in TNF-α treated cells. IPA analysis showed that IL-22 ranked among the top canonical pathways. We found constitutive expression and production of IL-22 and IL-22R in the disc, which expands our understanding of the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines on IL-22 expression and production. Three-dimensional cultured annulus cells exposed to IL-1ß or TNF produced significantly lower levels of IL-22 into their conditioned media compared to levels produced by control cells. Our findings have clinical relevance because of the elevated pro-inflammatory milieu within the degenerating human disc.     

Higher hepatic gene expression and serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 are associated with steatohepatitis in non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases

We investigated the gene expression of tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and serum levels of TIMPs, MMPs, and hyaluronic acid that are associated with liver fibrosis in 64 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). Whereas, no differences were found between patients with and without nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in serum levels of hyaluronic acid when excluding NASH patients with advanced fibrosis, the quantity of MMP2 mRNA in liver tissue and serum MMP2 levels were significantly higher in patients with NASH than those without, even focusing on patients with less advanced fibrosis, indicating the initiation of liver fibrosis.     

Effect of the cyclic stretch on the expression of osteogenesis genes in human periodontal ligament cells

Periodontal ligament cells can potentially differentiate into osteoblast-like cells and influence the remodeling of periodontal tissues under mechanical strain conditions. In the present study, Gene chip technology was adopted to investigate the effect of the cyclic stretch on the expression of osteogenic-related genes in human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs). Cultured HPDLCs were subjected to 12% elongation cyclic stretch for 24 h using a Flexercell Strain Unit, and then GEArray Q series human osteogenesis gene expression profile chip with 96 spot array numbers was used to conduct parallel analyses on the change of the related gene expression in the osteogenic differentiation of HPDLCs stimulated by cyclic stretch. The results show that after the HPDLCs were stimulated by the cyclic stretch, the expression of 21 osteogenic-related genes was significantly upregulated, including 10 growth factor genes and their associated molecules, 10 extracellular matrix genes and their associated proteins, and 1 cell adhesion molecule. Two genes were significantly downregulated, including one growth factor gene and one cell adhesion molecule. Then the expressions of 10 candidate genes were validated using Real-time RT-PCR. These results indicate that cyclic stretch with 12% deformation can stimulate or inhibit some gene expression which was associated with the process of HPDLCs differentiation.     

Expression of soluble and functional full-length human matrix metalloproteinase-2 in Escherichia coli

Characterization of the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) substrates and understanding of its function remain difficult because up to date preparations containing minor amounts of other eukaryotic proteins that are co-purified with MMP-2 are still used. In this work, the expression of a soluble and functional full-length recombinant human MMP-2 (rhMMP-2) in the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli is reported, and the purification of this metalloproteinase is described. Culture of this bacterium at 18 °C culminated in maintenance of the soluble and functional rhMMP-2 in the soluble fraction of the E. coli lysate and its purification by affinity with gelatin-sepharose yielded approximately 0.12 mg/L of medium. Western Blotting and zymographic analysis revealed that the most abundant form was the 72-kDa MMP-2, but some gelatinolytic bands corresponding to proteins with lower molecular weight were also detected. The obtained rhMMP-2 was demonstrated to be functional in a gelatinolytic fluorimetric assay, suggesting that the purified rhMMP-2 was correctly folded. The method described here involves fewer steps, is less expensive, and is less prone to contamination with other proteinases and MMP inhibitors as compared to expression of rhMMP-2 in eukaryotic tissue culture. This protocol will facilitate the use of the full-length rhMMP-2 expressed in bacteria and will certainly help researchers to acquire new knowledge about the substrates and biological activities of this important proteinase.     

Effect of heparin on the production of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases by human dermal fibroblasts

The influence of heparin and a heparin fragment devoid of anticoagulant activity on the production of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases by human dermal fibroblasts was studied. Doses (0.1-400 microg/ml) responses were performed and data obtained were similar whatever heparin or fragment was used. The basal expression of collagenase by fibroblasts decreased quasi-linearly with increasing doses of heparins from 1 to 400 microg/ml. TIMP-1 levels were not affected by supplementing serum free culture medium with heparins. On the contrary, at low concentration, i.e. 1-10 microg/ml, heparins stimulated the secretion of both 72-kDa gelatinase (1.4-1.6-fold) and particularly TIMP-2 (>4-fold). At high doses, MMP-2 and TIMP-2 production by fibroblasts returned to basal levels. These results suggested that the local concentration of heparin released by mast cells could be instrumental in modulating fibroblast growth and proteolytic phenotype.     

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。     

Effects of oxygen tension and dextran-shelled/2H,3H-decafluoropentane-cored oxygen-loaded nanodroplets on secretion of gelatinases and their inhibitors in term human placenta

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors (TIMPs) need to be finely modulated in physiological processes. However, oxygen tension influences MMP/TIMP balances, potentially leading to pathology. Intriguingly, new 2H,3H-decafluoropentane-based oxygen-loaded nanodroplets (OLNDs) have proven effective in abrogating hypoxia-dependent dysregulation of MMP and TIMP secretion by single cell populations. This work explored the effects of different oxygen tensions and dextran-shelled OLNDs on MMP/TIMP production in an organized and multicellular tissue (term human placenta). Chorionic villous explants from normal third-trimester pregnancies were incubated with/without OLNDs in 3 or 20% O₂. Explants cultured at higher oxygen tension released constitutive proMMP-2, proMMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2. Hypoxia significantly altered MMP-2/TIMP-2 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios enhancing TIMP-2 and reducing proMMP-2, proMMP-9, and TIMP-1 levels. Intriguingly, OLNDs effectively counteracted the effects of low oxygen tension. Collectively, these data support OLND potential as innovative, nonconventional, and cost-effective tools to counteract hypoxia-dependent dysregulation of MMP/TIMP balances in human tissues.