Type I collagen stabilization of matrix metalloproteinase-2

The activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is regulated stringently on the posttranslational level. MMP-2 efficiently undergoes autolysis into inactive polypeptides in vitro, prompting the hypothesis that MMP-2 autolysis may function as an alternative mechanism for posttranslational control of MMP-2 in vivo. Moreover, MMP-2 binds to intact type I collagen fibrils; however, the functional consequences of this interaction have not been fully elucidated. To test the hypothesis that MMP-2 binding to type I collagen functions as a positive regulator of MMP-2 proteolytic potential, the effect of type I collagen on MMP-2 activity, inhibition by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), and enzyme stability was examined. Here, we report that purified MMP-2 binds but does not cleave intact type I collagen. The presence of type I collagen affects neither enzymatic activity against a quenched fluorescent peptide substrate nor the kinetics of inhibition by TIMP-2. However, MMP-2 is stabilized from autolysis in the presence of type I collagen, but not by elastin, fibrinogen, or laminin. These data provide biochemical evidence that MMP-2 exosite interactions with type I collagen may function in the posttranslational control of MMP-2 activity by reducing the rate of autolytic inactivation.     

不同类型缺血性脑血管病血清VCAM-1、MMP-2、TIMP-1的表达及与神经功能缺损的关系分析

摘要 目的：探讨不同类型缺血性脑血管病血清血管细胞粘附分子-1（VCAM-1）、基质金属蛋白酶-2（MMP-2）、基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂1（TIMP-1）的表达及与神经功能缺损的关系。方法：选择2016年1月至2020年1月我院接诊的98例缺血性脑血管病患者为本研究对象,其中脑梗死55例设为脑梗死组,短暂性脑缺血发作组43例,并选择我院同期体检中心健康者50作为对照组,分析三组血清VCAM-1、MMP-2、TIMP-1水平之间的差异及不同神经缺损程度血清VCAM-1、MMP-2、TIMP-1水平、美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表（NIHSS）评分变化情况,及其之间的相关性。结果：脑梗死组血清VCAM-1、MMP-2、TIMP-1水平及NIHSS评分显著高于短暂性脑缺血发作组和对照组,差异显著（P＜0.05）;短暂性脑缺血发作组血清VCAM-1、MMP-2、TIMP-1水平及NIHSS评分显著高于对照组,差异显著（P＜0.05）;重度神经缺损组血清VCAM-1、MMP-2、TIMP-1水平及NIHSS评分显著高于中度神经缺损组和轻度神经缺损组,差异显著（P＜0.05）;中度神经缺损组血清VCAM-1、MMP-2、TIMP-1水平及NIHSS评分显著高于轻度神经缺损组,差异显著（P＜0.05）;相关性分析结果中显示,血清VCAM-1、MMP-2、TIMP-1均和NIHSS评分呈正相关（r=0.603, 0.915, 0.778,P＜0.05）。结论：血清VCAM-1、MMP-2、TIMP-1在缺血性脑血管病患者中表达异常,神经缺损越严重血清VCAM-1、MMP-2、TIMP-1表达越高。     

茶多酚对Lewis 肺癌小鼠移植瘤MMP-2、TIMP-2 表达的影响

目的:观察茶多酚对肺癌小鼠移植瘤基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)及其相应的组织金属蛋白酶抑制剂-2(TIMP-2)表达的影响,探讨茶多酚抗新生血管生成的效应机制。方法:建立57小鼠肺癌移植瘤模型,测定茶多酚低、高剂量组以及茶多酚联合沙利度胺组的肿瘤抑制率,并且采用免疫组化法检测各组MMP-2、TIMP-2表达水平以及MMP-2/TIMP-2比值,以探讨其抗肿瘤的分子机制。结果:实验表明,茶多酚有如下作用:①沙利度胺组、茶多酚低剂量组、茶多酚高剂量组、茶多酚低剂量联合沙利度胺组、茶多酚高剂量联合沙利度胺组的肿瘤抑制率分别为17.26%、16.94%、20.81%、21.94%和44.32%,茶多酚高剂量联合沙利度胺组与模型组瘤重比较,有统计学意义(P<0.05);②茶多酚各组及联合用药各组能下调肿瘤组织MMP-2蛋白表达,茶多酚高剂量联合沙利度胺组能上调TIMP-2蛋白表达,与模型对照组比较,均具有统计学意义(P<0.05);③用药各组MMP-2/TIMP-2比值均有所下降,茶多酚各组明显降低,茶多酚大剂量联合沙利度胺组比值下降最为显著。结论:茶多酚高剂量联合沙利度胺组对肺癌有明显抑制作用。其机制可能与下调MMP-2表达、上调TIMP-2表达、调整MMP-2/TIMP-2比值失衡状态,从而抗肺癌新生血管生成相关。     

Thioredoxin secreted upon ultraviolet A irradiation modulates activities of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 in human dermal fibroblasts

Regulation of the balance of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and its tissue inhibitor (TIMP-2) by thioredoxin (Trx) was investigated in human dermal fibroblasts. Expression and secretion of Trx and Trx reductase 1 (TR1) was increased after ultraviolet (UV) A irradiation. A significant increase in proMMP-2 activity and a decrease of TIMP-2 activity in supernatants of UVA-irradiated fibroblasts were observed in gelatin and reverse zymography compared to non-irradiated fibroblasts. Removal of Trx or TR1 by immunoprecipitation diminished these changes in proMMP-2 activity. Incubation with 5, 5'-dithio-bis-2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) also suppressed these changes. Incubation with recombinant Trx or TR decreased TIMP-2 activity and increased MMP-2 activity. UVA-irradiated fibroblasts, transiently transfected with a dominant-negative mutant or wild-type Trx, showed down- or upregulation of proMMP-2 activities, respectively, without significant change of protein amount. In conclusion, thioredoxin secreted by UVA irradiation is involved in the regulation of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 activities through its redox activity in human dermal fibroblasts.     

Inhibition of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger by peroxynitrite in microsomes of pulmonary smooth muscle: role of matrix metalloproteinase-2

Treatment of bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle microsomes with peroxynitrite (ONOO-) (100 microM) markedly stimulated matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity and also enhanced Ca2+ATPase activity and ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake. Pretreatment of the microsomes with vitamin E (1 mM) and TIMP-2 (50 microg/ml) preserved the increase in MMP-2 activity, Ca2+ATPase activity and also ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake in the microsomes. In contrast, Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ uptake in the microsomes was inhibited by ONOO- and this was found to be reversed by vitamin E (1 mM) and TIMP-2 (50 microg/ml). However, changes caused by ONOO- in MMP-2 activity, ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake and Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ uptake were not reversed upon pretreatment of the microsomes with a low concentration of 5 microg/ml of TIMP-2 which, on the contrary, reversed MMP-2 (1 microg/ml)-mediated alteration on these parameters. The inhibition of Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ uptake by ONOO- and MMP-2 overpowered the stimulation of ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake in the microsomes. Treatment with ONOO- abolished the inhibitory effect of TIMP-2 (5 microg/ml) on MMP-2 (1 microg/ml) causing 14C-gelatin degradation. Overall, the present study suggests that ONOO- inactivated TIMP-2, the ambient inhibitor of MMP-2, leading to activation of the ambient proteinase, MMP-2, and subsequently stimulated Ca2+ATPase activity and ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake, but inhibited Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ uptake, resulting in a marked decrease in Ca2+ uptake in microsomes of bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle.     

Cytokine and Growth Factor Concentration in Cerebrospinal Fluid from Patients with Hydrocephalus Following Endovascular Embolization of Unruptured Aneurysms in Comparison with Other Types of Hydrocephalus

To better understand the development of hydrocephalus of different origins, we evaluated cytokine and growth factor concentration in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with hydrocephalus. CSF was collected from patients developing hydrocephalus following hemorrhage (n = 15), patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (n = 10), and following the embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (n = 9). Myelography patients (n = 15) served as controls. Quantification of 11 molecules relating angiogenesis, inflammation, and wound healing in the CSF was performed using ELISA. All three hydrocephalus groups had decreased concentration of TIMP-4 compared to the normal group. The hemorrhage group showed increased concentration of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 compared to the control group. The unruptured aneurysm group had increased concentration of IL-6 and decreased concentration of TIMP-2 compared to the control group. Compared to the normal patients, increased concentrations of wound healing molecules were evident in all three groups. Increased inflammation was evident in the hemorrhage and unruptured aneurysm groups.     

Elevated matrix metalloproteinase-9 in patients with systemic sclerosis

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer, autoimmune disease, and various pathologic conditions characterized by excessive fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the expression of MMP-9 and its clinical significance in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The patients (n = 42) with SSc had higher concentrations of MMP-9 and of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and a higher ratio of MMP-9 to TIMP-1 in sera than healthy controls (n = 32). Serum MMP-9 concentrations were significantly higher in the diffuse type (n = 23) than the limited type of SSc (n = 19). Serum concentrations of MMP-9 correlated well with the degree of skin involvement, as determined by the Rodnan score and with serum concentrations of transforming growth factor β. Moreover, dermal fibroblasts from patients with SSc produced more MMP-9 than those from healthy controls when they were stimulated with IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor α, or transforming growth factor β. Such an increase in MMP-9 production was partially blocked by treatment with cyclosporin A. In summary, the serum MMP-9 concentrations were elevated in SSc patients and correlated well with skin scores. The increased MMP-9 concentrations may be attributable to overproduction by dermal fibroblasts in SSc. These findings suggest that the enhanced production of MMP-9 may contribute to fibrogenic remodeling during the progression of skin sclerosis in SSc.     

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。     

五灵胶囊联合富马酸丙酚替诺福韦片对慢性乙型肝炎患者氧化应激、CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞和血清MMP-1、MMP-2、TIMP-1的影响

摘要 目的：探讨五灵胶囊联合富马酸丙酚替诺福韦片对慢性乙型肝炎（CHB）患者氧化应激、CD4⁺CD25⁺调节性T细胞和血清基质金属蛋白酶-1（MMP-1）、基质金属蛋白酶-2（MMP-2）、基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子-1（TIMP-1）的影响。方法：纳入苏州大学附属传染病医院2021年6月~2022年12月期间收治的CHB患者122例,采用随机数字表法分为对照组（n=61,富马酸丙酚替诺福韦片）和研究组（n=61,五灵胶囊联合富马酸丙酚替诺福韦片）。对比两组疗效、氧化应激指标、CD4⁺CD25⁺调节性T细胞、肝功能指标[总胆红素（TBIL）、谷丙转氨酶（ALT）、谷氨酰转肽酶（GGT）]、血清MMP-1、MMP-2、TIMP-1水平和不良反应发生情况。结果：研究组的临床总有效率高于对照组（P<0.05）。两组治疗后丙二醛（MDA）下降,且研究组低于对照组同时间点;超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）升高,且研究组高于对照组同时间点（P<0.05）。两组治疗后CD4⁺CD25⁺调节性T细胞下降,且研究组低于对照组同时间点（P<0.05）。两组治疗后MMP-1、MMP-2、TIMP-1下降,且研究组低于对照组同时间点（P<0.05）。两组治疗后TBIL、ALT、GGT下降,且研究组低于对照组同时间点（P<0.05）。两组不良反应总发生率组间对比未见差异（P>0.05）。结论：五灵胶囊联合富马酸丙酚替诺福韦片治疗CHB患者,可有效减轻机体氧化应激,调节CD4⁺CD25⁺调节性T细胞和血清MMP-1、MMP-2、TIMP-1水平。     

Identification,purification and partial characterization of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle

Bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle possesses the tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) as revealed by Western immunoblot study of its cytosol fraction with bovine polyclonal TIMP-2 antibody. This potent polypeptide inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was purified to homogeneity from cytosol fraction of bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle. This inhibitor was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by gelatin sepharose and lentil lectin sepharose affinity chromatography and continuous elution electrophoresis by Prep Cell Model 491 (Bio-Rad, USA). SDS-PAGE revealed that the inhibitor has an apparent molecular mass of 21 kDa and was confirmed as TIMP-2 by (i) Western immunoblot assay using bovine polyclonal TIMP-2 antibody; and also by (ii) amino terminal amino acid sequence analysis of the purified inhibitor is found to be identical with TIMP-2 obtained from other sources. The purified 21 kDa inhibitor was found to be active against matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2, 72 kDa gelatinase) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9, 92 kDa gelatinase), the ambient MMPs in the pulmonary artery smooth muscle. The inhibitor was also found to be sensitive to the activated 72 kDa gelatinase-TIMP-2 complex and also active human interstitial collagenase. By contrast, it was found to be insensitive to the serine proteases: trypsin and plasmin. The inhibitor was heat and acid resistant and it had the sensitivity to trypsin degradation and reduction-alkylation. Treatment of the inhibitor with hydrogen peroxide, superoxide generating system (hypoxanthine plus xanthine oxidase) and peroxynitrite inactivated the inhibitor.     

Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2 by PARP inhibitors

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), a ubiquitously expressed zinc-dependent endopeptidase, and poly(ADP-ribosyl) polymerase (PARP), a nuclear enzyme regulating DNA repair, are activated by nitroxidative stress associated with various pathologies. As MMP-2 plays a detrimental role in heart injuries resulting from enhanced nitroxidative stress, where PARP and MMP inhibitors are beneficial, we hypothesized that PARP inhibitors may affect MMP-2 activity. Using substrate degradation assays to determine MMP-2 activity we found that four PARP inhibitors (3-AB, PJ-34, 5-AIQ, and EB-47) inhibited 64 kDa MMP-2 in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC₅₀ values of PJ-34 and 5-AIQ were in the high micromolar range and comparable to those of known MMP-2 inhibitors doxycycline, minocycline or o-phenanthroline, whereas those for 3-AB and EB-47 were in the millimolar range. Co-incubation of PARP inhibitors with doxycycline showed an additive inhibition of MMP-2 that was significant for 3-AB alone. These data demonstrate that the protective effects of some PARP inhibitors may include inhibition of MMP-2 activity.     

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.     

Elevated matrix metalloproteinase-9 in patients with systemic sclerosis

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer, autoimmune disease, and various pathologic conditions characterized by excessive fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the expression of MMP-9 and its clinical significance in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The patients (n = 42) with SSc had higher concentrations of MMP-9 and of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and a higher ratio of MMP-9 to TIMP-1 in sera than healthy controls (n = 32). Serum MMP-9 concentrations were significantly higher in the diffuse type (n = 23) than the limited type of SSc (n = 19). Serum concentrations of MMP-9 correlated well with the degree of skin involvement, as determined by the Rodnan score and with serum concentrations of transforming growth factor beta. Moreover, dermal fibroblasts from patients with SSc produced more MMP-9 than those from healthy controls when they were stimulated with IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, or transforming growth factor beta. Such an increase in MMP-9 production was partially blocked by treatment with cyclosporin A. In summary, the serum MMP-9 concentrations were elevated in SSc patients and correlated well with skin scores. The increased MMP-9 concentrations may be attributable to overproduction by dermal fibroblasts in SSc. These findings suggest that the enhanced production of MMP-9 may contribute to fibrogenic remodeling during the progression of skin sclerosis in SSc.     

Role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in thrombin-induced vasorelaxation of rat mesenteric arteries

The vasodilator effects of thrombin depend on activation of proteinase-activated receptor (PAR)-1 and the subsequent release of endothelin (ET)-1, which stimulates the generation of nitric oxide and PGs. We recently showed that thrombin released matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) from rat arteries. We have now studied the significance of this release for the vasodilator effects of thrombin. Thrombin (>/=100 pmol), but not a PAR-1-activating peptide (TFLLR-NH(2)), produced a long-lasting (>10 min) vasorelaxation of rat mesenteric arteries, as detected by a microperfusion bioassay. Thrombin induced a simultaneous release of vascular MMP-2 into arterial perfusates, as revealed by zymography. Interestingly, the vasodilator effects of thrombin were inhibited by a tissue inhibitor of MMP-2 (TIMP-2, 10 pmol). Moreover, infusion of exogenous MMP-2 (5 pmol) resulted in vasorelaxation. These vasodilatory effects of thrombin and MMP-2 were significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited by endothelium denudation and by PD-142893 (2 nmol), an antagonist of ET receptors. Furthermore, both thrombin and MMP-2 constricted endothelium-denuded arteries. These results show that the vasodilator effects of thrombin may depend, in part, on a release of vascular MMP-2 and downstream activation of ETs. Thus MMP-2-dependent signaling may complement the PAR-1-dependent pathway of vasodilator action of thrombin.     

Effect of metabolic syndrome risk factors and MMP-2 genetic variations on circulating MMP-2 levels in childhood obesity

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 is involved in the development of the adipose tissue, and associated with cardiovascular diseases. Metabolic risk factors (MRFs) and functional polymorphisms in the MMP-2 gene may affect its expression and activity. We investigated whether traditional MRFs and two MMP-2 gene polymorphisms (C^?1306T; rs243865, and C^?735T; rs2285053) affect circulating MMP-2 levels in children and adolescents, and whether MMP-2 polymorphisms and/or haplotype are associated with susceptibility to childhood obesity. We studied 114 healthy controls, 43 obese, and 83 obese with ≥3 MRFs children and adolescents. Genotypes were determined by Taqman allele discrimination assay and real-time PCR. Plasma MMP-2 was measured using zymography. We found positive correlations between MMP-2 concentrations and mean blood pressure in all children and adolescents group (r = 0.132; P < 0.05) and in obese children and adolescents (r = 0.247; P < 0.01). We found that the CC genotype for the C^?1306T polymorphism was more common in subjects with higher MMP-2 concentrations in controls (P = 0.003) and in the obese group (P = 0.013). The CT genotype (OR = 0.40; P < 0.01) and the T allele (OR = 0.48; P < 0.01) for the C^?735T polymorphism were less common in obese children and adolescents than in controls. The haplotypes distribution did not show significant differences between control and obese (P > 0.05). Ours findings show that blood pressure is associated with circulating MMP-2 concentrations, and that the CC genotype for the C^?1306T polymorphism was more common subjects (controls and obese) with higher MMP-2 concentrations, whereas the CT genotype and the T allele for the C^?735T polymorphism are less common in obesity.     

Keratoconus: matrix metalloproteinase-2 activation and TIMP modulation

Keratoconus is an ocular condition that causes corneal thinning, cone formation and scarring. In view of a hypothesis that activated MMP-2 may initiate or facilitate disease progression, the MMP-2/TIMP systems of stromal cells derived from normal and keratoconic corneas have been compared. To achieve this, stromal cell cultures were established from normal, clear keratoconic (KCS-1) and scarred keratoconic (KCS-2) corneas. The secreted MMP-2 was assayed using [(3)H]Type IV collagen and analysed by zymography. Optimally maintained and nutrient deprived cells were subsequently incubated with [(3)H]lysine. The secreted radiolabelled macromolecules were separated and quantified. The results obtained indicated that optimally maintained KCS-1 stromal cells produced more MMP-2 than normal stromal cells but not TIMP. Nutrient deprivation induced MMP-2 activation and cell death. Surviving cells upregulated TIMP-1 synthesis and in this respect became similar to the KCS-2 stromal cells that did not excessively generate activated MMP-2 or die as a consequence of nutrient deprivation. From these results, it was concluded that KCS-1 stromal cells over-expressed MMP-2 without increasing TIMP production. This may facilitate MMP-2 activation in vivo and hence advance the keratoconic condition. KCS-2 cultures over-expressed both MMP-2 and TIMP-1. Because TIMP-1 inhibits MMP-2 activity and protects against cell death it may be of significance in initiating repair processes and curtailing keratoconus.     

Role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in endothelial apoptosis in chronic heart failure in mice.

Accumulation of oxidized extracellular matrix between endothelium and muscle is an important risk factor in the endothelium-myocytes uncoupling in congestive heart failure. Although ventricular remodeling is accompanied by increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity, it is unclear whether MMP-9 plays a role in endothelial apoptosis in chronic volume overload congestive heart failure. We tested the hypothesis that, in chronic volume overload, myocardial dysfunction involves endocardial endothelial (EE) apoptosis in response to MMP-9 activation, extracellular matrix accumulation, and endothelium-myocytes uncoupling. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) was created in control (FVB/NJ) and MMP-9 knockout (MMP-9KO; FVB.Cg-MMP9(tm1Tvu)/J) mice. Sham surgery was used as control. Mice were grouped as follows: wild type, n = 3 (sham control); MMP-9KO, n = 3 (sham); AVF, n = 3; and MMP-9KO + AVF (n = 3). Heart function was analyzed by M-mode and Doppler echocardiography, and with a pressure-tipped Millar catheter placed in the left ventricle of anesthetized mice 8 wk after AVF. Apoptosis was detected by measuring caspase-3, transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and CD-31 by immunolabeling. Protease-activated receptors-1, connexin-43, and a disintegrin and MMP-12 (ADAM-12) expression were measured by Western blot analyses. MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression were measured by quantitative RT-PCR. Compared with control, AVF caused an increase in left ventricle end diastolic pressure and decrease in -dP/dt. In contrast, in the MMP-9KO + AVF group, these variables were changed toward control levels. Increased EE apoptosis (caspase-3 activation and TUNEL/CD-31 colabeling) in AVF mice was prevented in the MMP-9KO + AVF group. Protease-activated receptor-1, connexin-43, and ADAM-12 were induced in AVF. MMP-9 gene ablation ameliorated the induction. The results suggest that impaired cardiac function in volume overload is associated with EE apoptosis, cardiac remodeling, and endothelium-myocytes uncoupling in response to MMP-9 activation.     

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...