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...     

羌活地黄汤对大鼠佐剂性关节炎软骨金属蛋白酶-1、13及基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂-1的影响

目的：观察羌活地黄汤对大鼠佐剂性关节炎软骨中基质金属蛋白酶-1（marxmetalloproteinase-1,MMP-1）、基质金属蛋白酶-13（matrixmetalloproteinase．13,MMP-13）及基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂-1（tissueinhibitorofmetalloprotease-1,TIMP-1）表达的影响。方法：Wistar大鼠32只,随机分为正常对照组、模型组、雷公藤对照组、羌活地黄汤组。制作大鼠佐剂性关节炎模型,造模第14天开始给药。羌活地黄汤组予混有羌活地黄汤的颗粒饲料,雷公藤组给予混有雷公藤多甙的饲料,正常组及模型组均给予普通饲料。第28天分别取各组胫骨平台关节软骨,采用免疫组织化学染色测定软骨中MMP-1、13及T1MP—1表达的阳性指数。结果：模型组MMP-1、MMP-13及TIMP—1表达的阳性指数水平明显高于正常组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）,羌活地黄汤组MMP-1、13及TIMP-1表达阳性指数低于模型组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：羌活地黄汤可能是通过调控软骨细胞外基质中MMP．1、MMP—13及TIMP-1表达变化而维持软骨的动态平衡,从而延缓RA骨骼破坏。     

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。     

中药乙肝散逆转肝纤维化过程中肝组织TIMP-1及MMP-2表达变化的实验研究

目的探讨中药乙肝散逆转免疫性肝纤维化过程中肝组织TIMP-1(金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子-1) 及MMP-2(间质金属蛋白酶-2)表达的变化.方法雄性Wistar大鼠尾静脉注射白蛋白建立免疫损伤性肝纤维化模型后,分组加用不同浓度的乙肝散颗粒饲料喂养12周,流式细胞仪定量分析大鼠肝组织TIMP-1和MMP-2基因表达量,观察大鼠肝组织病理、苦味酸-天狼红染色、Ⅳ胶原免疫组化、α-SMA(α平滑肌肌动蛋白)免疫组化、肝匀浆Hyp(羟脯氨酸).结果乙肝散应用组肝组织TIMP-1表达量较模型对照组明显降低(P<0.01),MMP-2变化无统计学差异;同时肝组织Ⅰ胶原、Ⅲ胶原、Ⅳ胶原水平和Hyp含量明显降低(P<0.01或P<0.05).结论中药乙肝散在逆转肝纤维化过程中对抑制肝组织TIMP-1基因表达具有一定作用,TIMP-1在肝纤维化的逆转中起重要作用.     

房颤不同时期结构重构的血清学变化

目的:探讨转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)、金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子-1(TIMP-1)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白介素-6(IL-6)、白介素-10(IL-10)与阵发性或持续性房颤结构重构的关系。方法:入选患者分为3组,其中持续性房颤组30例、阵发性房颤组45例,以及32例阵发性室上速(包括预激综合征)作为对照组,通过ELISA方法检测上述患者左房血清的TGF-β1、MMP-9、TIMP-1、TNF-α、IL-6、IL-10水平,超声测量左心房长径。分析上述细胞因子水平与阵发性房颤或持续性房颤的关系。结果:阵发性房颤组与对照组相比,左房内径增大、TGF-β1、TNF-α升高(P0.05),IL-10、TIMP-1降低(P0.05),MMP-9无统计学差异。持续性房颤组与对照组相比,TGF-β1无统计学差异(P0.05),MMP-9、TNF-α、IL-6均升高(P0.05),IL-10、TIMP-1降低(P0.05);阵发性房颤组TGF-β1高于持续性房颤组(P0.05),持续性房颤组左房内径及MMP-9高于阵发性房颤组(P0.05)。结论:阵发性房颤患者左房扩大,已出现结构重构,结构重构的血清学变化以TGF-β1升高为主;持续性房颤患者结构重构血清学变化以MMP-9、IL-6升高为主。     

白介素-1和血小板源性生长因子对血管平滑肌细胞基质金属蛋白酶-1表达的影响

目的:观察白介素-1(IL-1)和血小板源性生长因子(PDGF)对血管平滑肌细胞基质金属蛋白酶-1(MMP-1)表达的影响.方法:用RT-PCR法检测MMP-1的mRNA水平,用Western蛋白印迹法(Westcrr blot)检测MMP-1蛋白水平,采用电泳迁移率变动分析(EMSA)法测AP-1结合活性.结果:白介素-1(20μg/L)和PDGF(20 μg/L)联合使用使MMP-1的mRNA水平明显增高,显著增加MMP-1蛋白表达,提高AP-1结合活性.结论:白介素-1和血小板源性生长因子联合使用可刺激MMP-1生成.     

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。     

COPD大鼠模型气道MMP-9和TIMP-1表达的研究

目的:探讨基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)及组织金属蛋白酶抑制因子-1(TIMP-1)在慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)大鼠模型气道的表达.方法:Wistar大鼠25只随机分为COPD模型组和正常对照组,采用单纯被动吸烟法建立COPD大鼠模型,以酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定两组大鼠血清及支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中MMP-9和TIMP-1的表达水平.结果:COPD组血清及BALF中MMP-9和TIMP-1的表达明显高于正常组(P＜0.05和P＜0.01);COPD组血清及BALF的MMP-9/TIMP-1低于正常组血清及BALF的MMP-9/TIMP-1,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);COPD组和正常组BALF中MMP-9和TIMP-1水平高于血清中MMP-9和TIMP-1水平,但差异无统计学意叉(P＞0.05).结论:MMP-9和TIMP-1平衡失调参与了COPD的发病,调节MMP-9和TIMP-1的平衡可能是治疗COPD的新方法.     

血清基质金属蛋白酶-2与冠心病的相关性分析

目的:探讨冠心病患者血清基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)的表达水平及与冠状动脉内径狭窄程度的相关关系.方法:通过ELISA法检测冠心病患者(n=24)和正常对照组(n=25)血清MMP-2水平,并分析冠心病患者MMP-2水平与冠状动脉内径狭窄程度的相关关系.结果:冠心病患者和健康对照组血清MMP-2表达水平依次为(48.92±14.86)ng/mL和(25.77±8.82)ng/mL,差异具有显著性(t=6.663,P=0.001);冠心病患者的MMP-2水平与冠状动脉内径狭窄程度之间存在明显相关关系(P＜0.01).结论:冠心病患者血清的MMP-2水平有明显的升高,并且MMP-2水平与冠状动脉内径狭窄程度关系密切,可能参与了冠心病的发生发展过程.     

Isothiocyanates sensitize the effect of chemotherapeutic drugs via modulation of protein kinase C and telomerase in cervical cancer cells

We determined effects of the vasopeptidase inhibitor (VPI) omapatrilat and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT(1)R) blocker (ARB) candesartan in rats during healing between day-2 and day-21 after reperfused myocardial infarction (RMI) on left ventricular (LV) remodeling and function, and regional matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-3, inducible-nitric-oxide-synthase (iNOS), oxidant-generating myeloperoxidase (MPO), and cytokines tumor-necrosis-factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10, and transforming-growth-factor (TGF)-beta(1), and collagens. Compared to RMI-placebo, both agents reversed adverse LV remodeling and systolic and diastolic dysfunction, improved collagen remodeling, and normalized MMP-9 (activity, protein, and mRNA), TIMP-3 (protein and mRNA), and iNOS, MPO, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and TGF-beta(1) proteins, and improved MMP-9/TIMP-3 balance and IL-10 levels in previously ischemic zones. The results suggest that modulation of matrix proteases, oxidants, cytokines, and NOSs with omapatrilat and candesartan contribute to reversal of adverse collagen and LV remodeling and attenuation of LV dysfunction during healing after RMI.     

Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases improves left ventricular function in mice lacking osteopontin after myocardial infarction

Osteopontin (OPN) plays an important role in left ventricular (LV) remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) by promoting collagen synthesis and accumulation. This study tested the hypothesis that MMP inhibition modulates post-MI LV remodeling in mice lacking OPN. Wild-type (WT) and OPN knockout (KO) mice were treated daily with MMP inhibitor (PD166793, 30 mg/kg/day) starting 3 days post-MI. LV functional and structural remodeling was measured 14 days post-MI. Infarct size was similar in WT and KO groups with or without MMP inhibition. M-mode echocardiography showed greater increase in LV end-diastolic (LVEDD) and end-systolic diameters (LVESD) and decrease in percent fractional shortening (%FS) and ejection fraction in KO-MI versus WT-MI. MMP inhibition decreased LVEDD and LVESD, and increased %FS in both groups. Interestingly, the effect was more pronounced in KO-MI group versus WT-MI (P < 0.01). MMP inhibition significantly decreased post-MI LV dilation in KO-MI group as measured by Langendorff-perfusion analysis. MMP inhibition improved LV developed pressures in both MI groups. However, the improvement was significantly higher in KO-MI group versus WT-MI (P < 0.05). MMP inhibition increased heart weight-to-body weight ratio, myocyte cross-sectional area, fibrosis and septal wall thickness only in KO-MI. Percent apoptotic myocytes in the non-infarct area was not different between the treatment groups. Expression and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the non-infarct area was higher in KO-MI group 3 days post-MI. MMP inhibition reduced MMP-2 activity in KO-MI with no effect on the expression of TIMP-2 and TIMP-4 14 days post-MI. Thus, activation of MMPs contributes to reduced fibrosis and LV dysfunction in mice lacking OPN.     

ET(A)-receptor blockade prevents matrix metalloproteinase activation late postmyocardial infarction in the rat

Endothelin (ET) A (ET(A)) receptors activate matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). Since endothelin-1 (ET) is increased in myocardium late postmyocardial infarction (MI), we hypothesized that stimulation of ET(A) receptors contributes to activation of myocardial MMPs late post-MI. Three days post-MI, rats were randomized to treatment with the ET(A)-selective receptor antagonist sitaxsentan (n = 12) or a control group (n = 12). Six weeks later, there were rightward shifts of the left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic and end-systolic pressure-volume relationships, as measured ex vivo by the isovolumic Langendorff technique. Both shifts were markedly attenuated by sitaxsentan. In LV myocardium remote from the infarct, the activities of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were increased in the post-MI group, and the increases were prevented by sitaxsentan treatment. Expression of tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 was decreased post-MI, and the decrease was prevented by sitaxsentan treatment. Chronic post-MI remodeling is associated with activation of MMPs in myocardium remote from the infarct. Inhibition of ET(A) receptors prevents MMP activation and LV dilation, suggesting that ET, acting via the ET(A) receptor, contributes to chronic post-MI remodeling by its effects on MMP activity.     

TNF-alpha and myocardial matrix metalloproteinases in heart failure: relationship to LV remodeling

The cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha has been causally linked to left ventricular (LV) remodeling, but the molecular basis for this effect is unknown. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in cardiac remodeling and can be regulated by TNF-alpha. This study tested the central hypothesis that administration of a TNF-alpha blocking protein would prevent the induction of MMPs and alter the course of myocardial remodeling in developing LV failure. Adult dogs were randomly assigned to the following groups: 1) chronic pacing (250 beats/min, 28 days, n = 12), 2) chronic pacing with concomitant administration of a TNF-alpha blocking protein (TNF block) using a soluble p75 TNF receptor fusion protein (TNFR:Fc; administered at 0.5 mg/kg twice a week subcutaneously, n = 7), and 3) normal controls (n = 10). LV end-diastolic volume increased from control with chronic pacing (83 +/- 12 vs. 118 +/- 10 ml, P < 0.05) and was reduced with TNF block (97 +/- 9 ml, P < 0.05). MMP zymographic levels (92 kDa, pixels) increased from control with chronic pacing (36,848 +/- 9,593 vs. 87,247 +/- 12,912, P < 0.05) and was normalized by TNF block. Myocardial MMP-9 and MMP-13 levels by immunoblot increased with chronic pacing relative to controls (130 +/- 10% and 118 +/- 6%, P < 0.05) and was normalized by TNF block. These results provide evidence to suggest that TNF-alpha contributes to the myocardial remodeling process in evolving heart failure through the local induction of specific MMPs.     

Endothelin-1 mediates cardiac mast cell degranulation, matrix metalloproteinase activation, and myocardial remodeling in rats

The objective of this study was to determine whether elevated circulating levels of endothelin (ET)-1 are capable of mediating left ventricular (LV) mast cell degranulation and thereby induce matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation. After the administration of 20 pg/ml ET-1 to blood-perfused isolated rat hearts, LV tissue was analyzed for signs of mast cell degranulation and MMP activation. Relative to control, ET-1 produced extensive mast cell degranulation as well as a significant increase in myocardial water content (78.8 +/- 1.5% vs. 74.2 +/- 2.2%, P <0.01), a marked 107% increase in MMP-2 activity (P <0.05), and a substantial decrease in collagen volume fraction (0.69 +/- 0.09% vs. 0.99 +/- 0.04%, P <0.001). Although the myocardial edema would be expected to increase ventricular stiffness, compliance was not altered, and moderate ventricular dilatation was observed (end-diastolic volume at end-diastolic pressure of 0 mmHg of 330.2 +/- 22.1 vs. 298.9 +/- 17.4 microl in ET-1 treated vs. control, respectively, P=0.07). Additionally, pretreatment with the mast cell stabilizer nedocromil prevented ET-1-induced changes in MMP-2 activity, myocardial water content, collagen volume fraction, and end-diastolic volume. These findings demonstrate that ET-1 is a potent cardiac mast cell secretogogue and further indicate that ET-1-mediated mast cell degranulation is a potential mechanism responsible for myocardial remodeling.     

Selective disruption of MMP-2 gene exacerbates myocardial inflammation and dysfunction in mice with cytokine-induced cardiomyopathy

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) plays a pathophysiological role in the development and progression of heart failure. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 is involved in extracellular matrix remodeling. Recent evidence suggests a protective role for this protease against tissue inflammation. Although MMP-2 is upregulated in the failing heart, little is known about its pathophysiological role. We thus hypothesized that ablation of the MMP-2 gene could affect cardiac remodeling and failure in TNF-alpha-induced cardiomyopathy. We crossed transgenic mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of TNF-alpha (TG) with MMP-2 knockout (KO) mice. Four groups of male and female mice were studied: wild-type (WT) with wild MMP-2 (WT/MMP(+/+)), WT with MMP-2 KO (WT/MMP(-/-)), TNF-alpha TG with wild MMP-2 (TG/MMP(+/+)), and TG with MMP-2 KO (TG/MMP(-/-)). The upregulation of MMP-2 zymographic activity in TG/MMP(+/+) mice was completely abolished in TG/MMP(-/-) mice, and other MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase were comparable between groups. Survival was shorter for male TG/MMP(-/-) than TG/MMP(+/+) mice. Female TG/MMP(-/-) mice were more severely affected than TG/MMP(+/+) mice with diminished cardiac function. Myocardial TNF-alpha and other proinflammatory cytokines were increased in TG/MMP(+/+) mice, and this increase was similarly observed in TG/MMP(-/-) mice. The extent of myocardial infiltrating cells including macrophages was greater in TG/MMP(-/-) than in TG/MMP(+/+) mice. Selective ablation of the MMP-2 gene reduces survival and exacerbates cardiac failure in association with the increased level of myocardial inflammation. MMP-2 may play a cardioprotective role in the pathogenesis of cytokine-induced cardiomyopathy.     

Myocardial and interstitial matrix metalloproteinase activity after acute myocardial infarction in pigs

A structural event during the evolution of a myocardial infarction (MI) is left ventricular (LV) remodeling. The mechanisms that contribute to early changes in LV myocardial remodeling in the post-MI period remain poorly understood. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to tissue remodeling in several disease states. Whether and to what degree MMP activation occurs within the myocardial interstitium after acute MI remains to be determined. Adult pigs (n = 15) were instrumented to measure regional myocardial function and interstitial MMP levels within regions served by the circumflex and left anterior descending arteries. Regional function was measured by sonomicrometry, and interstitial MMP levels were determined by selective microdialysis and zymography as well as by MMP interstitial fluorogenic activity. Measurements were performed at baseline and sequentially for up to 3 h after ligation of the obtuse marginals of the circumflex artery. Regional fractional shortening fell by over 50% in the MI region but remained unchanged in the remote region after coronary occlusion. Release of soluble MMPs, as revealed by zymographic activity of myocardial interstitial samples, increased by 2 h post-MI. The increased zymographic activity after MI was consistent with MMP-9. Myocardial interstitial MMP fluorogenic activity became detectable within the ischemic region as early as 10 min after coronary occlusion and significantly increased after 1 h post-MI. MMP fluorogenic activity remained unchanged from baseline values in the remote region. The present study demonstrated that myocardial MMP activation can occur within the MI region in the absence of reperfusion. These unique results suggest that MMP release and activation occurs within the ischemic myocardial interstitium in the early post-MI period.     

Accelerated LV remodeling after myocardial infarction in TIMP-1-deficient mice: effects of exogenous MMP inhibition

Alterations in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) have been implicated in adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). However, the direct mechanistic role of TIMPs in the post-MI remodeling process has not been completely established. The goal of this project was to define the effects of altering endogenous MMP inhibitory control through combined genetic and pharmacological approaches on post-MI remodeling in mice. This study examined the effects of MMP inhibition (MMPi) with PD-166793 (30 mg.kg(-1).day(-1)) on LV geometry and function (conductance volumetry) after MI in wild-type (WT) mice and mice deficient in the TIMP-1 gene [TIMP-1 knockout (TIMP1-KO)]. At 3 days after MI (coronary ligation), mice were randomized into four groups: WT-MI/MMPi (n = 10), TIMP1-KO-MI/MMPi (n = 10), WT-MI (n = 22), and TIMP1-KO-MI (n = 23). LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) and ejection fraction were determined 14 days after MI. Age-matched WT (n = 20) and TIMP1-KO (n = 28) mice served as reference controls. LVEDV was similar under control conditions in WT and TIMP1-KO mice (36 +/- 2 and 40 +/- 2 microl, respectively) but was greater in TIMP1-KO-MI than in WT-MI mice (48 +/- 2 vs. 61 +/- 5 microl, P < 0.05). LVEDV was reduced from MI-only values in WT-MI/MMPi and TIMP1-KO-MI/MMPi mice (42 +/- 2 and 36 +/- 2 microl, respectively, P < 0.05) but was reduced to the greatest degree in TIMP1-KO mice (P < 0.05). LV ejection fraction was reduced in both groups after MI and increased in TIMP1-KO-MI/MMPi, but not in WT-MI/MMPi, mice. These unique results demonstrated that myocardial TIMP-1 plays a regulatory role in post-MI remodeling and that the accelerated myocardial remodeling induced by TIMP-1 gene deletion can be pharmacologically "rescued" by MMP inhibition. These results define the importance of local endogenous control of MMP activity with respect to regulating LV structure and function after MI.     

Cardiac matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression independently induces marked ventricular remodeling and systolic dysfunction

Although enhanced cardiac matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 synthesis has been associated with ventricular remodeling and failure, whether MMP-2 expression is a direct mediator of this process is unknown. We generated transgenic mice expressing active MMP-2 driven by the alpha-myosin heavy chain promoter. At 4 mo MMP-2 transgenic hearts demonstrated expression of the MMP-2 transgene, myocyte hypertrophy, breakdown of Z-band registration, lysis of myofilaments, disruption of sarcomere and mitochondrial architecture, and cardiac fibroblast proliferation. Hearts from 8-mo-old transgenic mice displayed extensive myocyte disorganization and dropout with replacement fibrosis and perivascular fibrosis. Older transgenic mice also exhibited a massive increase in cardiac MMP-2 expression, representing recruitment of endogenous MMP-2 synthesis, with associated expression of MMP-9 and membrane type 1 MMP. Increases in diastolic [control (C) 33 +/- 3 vs. MMP 51 +/- 12 microl; P = 0.003] and systolic (C 7 +/- 2 vs. MMP 28 +/- 14 microl; P = 0.003) left ventricular (LV) volumes and relatively preserved stroke volume (C 26 +/- 4 vs. MMP 23 +/- 3 microl; P = 0.16) resulted in markedly decreased LV ejection fraction (C 78 +/- 7% vs. MMP 48 +/- 16%; P = 0.0006). Markedly impaired systolic function in the MMP transgenic mice was demonstrated in the reduced preload-adjusted maximal power (C 240 +/- 84 vs. MMP 78 +/- 49 mW/microl(2); P = 0.0003) and decreased end-systolic pressure-volume relation (C 7.5 +/- 1.5 vs. MMP 4.7 +/- 2.0; P = 0.016). Expression of active MMP-2 is sufficient to induce severe ventricular remodeling and systolic dysfunction in the absence of superimposed injury.     

Attenuation of increased secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor, matricellular proteins and angiotensin II and left ventricular remodeling by candesartan and omapatrilat during healing after reperfused myocardial infarction

While secretory-leukocyte-protease-inhibitor (SLPI) may promote skin wound healing, its role in infarct healing after reperfused myocardial infarction (RMI) remains unclear. Short-term intravenous angiotensin II (AngII) receptor blocker therapy with candesartan (CN) attenuates increased SLPI and markers of early matrix/left ventricular (LV) in acute RMI. To determine whether reducing effects of AngII with CN or the vasopeptidase inhibitor omapatrilat (OMA) during the healing phase after RMI attenuates SLPI and other mediators of healing and matrix/LV remodeling, we measured these in Sprague–Dawley rats randomized to oral placebo, CN (30 mg/kg/day) or OMA (10 mg/kg/day) therapy during healing between days 2 and 23 after RMI and sham. On day-25, RMI-placebo showed significant LV remodeling, systolic/diastolic dysfunction and impaired passive compliance, and ischemic zone increases in SLPI, secreted-protein-acidic-and-rich-in-cysteine (SPARC) and osteopontin (OPN) mRNA and protein. In addition, metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and -2, a-disintegrin-and-metalloproteinase (ADAM)-10 and -17, inducible-nitric-oxide-synthase (iNOS), pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β₁ and its signaling molecule p-Smad-2, myeloperoxidase (MPO), AngII, MPO-positive granulocytes, MAC387-positive macrophages and monocytes, scar collagens, cardiomyocyte and fibroblast apoptosis, and microvascular no-reflow also increased whereas anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 decreased. Both CN and OMA attenuated all the changes except IL-10, which normalized. Thus, CN or OMA treatment during healing after RMI results in attenuation of SLPI as well as tissue AngII and mediators of inflammation and matrix/LV remodeling including SPARC, OPN, and ADAMs. Whether increasing SLPI on top of background AngII inhibition or therapy such as CN or OMA might produce added remodeling benefit needs study.