MMP-2、MMP-9及VEGF在子宫内膜异位症中的表达及临床意义

目的:研究基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP-2)、基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP-9)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)表达在子宫内膜异位症发生发展中的作用.方法:应用免疫组化二步法检测EMs患者异位内膜36例、在位内膜36例及正常内膜中的MMP-2、MMP-9、VEGF的表达情况.结果:MMP-2、MMP-9、VEGF在异位内膜组中阳性表达率分别为94.4%、91.7%和91.7%,显著高于在位内膜组、正常内膜组(P＜0.05);而在位内膜组和正常内膜组差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论:检测MMP-2、MMP-9、VEGF的表达可用于判断子宫内膜异位症的侵袭转移和评估预后.     

卡立泊来德对AGEs所致新内膜形成的抑制作用及相关机制

为了观察Na⁺/H⁺ 交换蛋白1(NHE1)选择性抑制剂卡立泊来德(cariporide)对糖基化终末产物( advanced glycation end products,AGEs)所致大鼠颈动脉球囊损伤后新内膜形成的作用,以球囊损伤大鼠颈总动脉,取标本HE染色后进行形态学观察并计算内膜、中膜面积及内膜/中膜面积比．为探讨相关机制,原代培养大鼠主动脉平滑肌细胞( vascular smooth muscle cell,VSMC),[³H] thymidine 检测 VSMC增殖; RT-PCR及实时RT-PCR检测VSMC基质金属蛋白酶2( matrix metalloproteinases-2,MMP-2)、基质金属蛋白酶9(matrixmetalloproteinases-9,MMP-9)及环氧酶2(cyclooxygenase-2,COX-2) mRNA水平;Western blot检测核因子κB(NF-κB)的表达及抑制蛋白κBα(I-κBα)的降解．大鼠颈动脉球囊损伤后,cariporide(0.1,10 mg/kg)能显著抑制AGEs所致新内膜增生(P < 0.01)．细胞实验结果显示,cariporide 可以浓度依赖性地抑制AGEs 诱导VSMC中COX-2、MMP-2及MMP-9 mRNA 表达,同时显著抑制I-κBα降解及NF-κB表达．结果表明,cariporide 能显著抑制血管损伤后AGEs所致新内膜的形成,其机制与抑制NHE1活性从而抑制NF-κB活化,下调MMP-2、MMP-9及COX-2 mRNA有关．提示NHE1可能是AGEs致血管损伤信号通路中的重要组成部分．     

外源性雌、孕激素对裸鼠人子宫内膜异位症病灶中MMP-2、TIMP-2及VEGF蛋白表达的影响

目的:探讨雌、孕激素对异位内膜及MMP-2、TIMP-2、VEGF蛋白表达的影响.方法:将育龄妇女正常分泌晚期子宫内膜注入裸鼠盆腹腔,建立EMs裸鼠模型,随机分为四组,分别予雌激素(E)、孕激素(P)、雌激素+孕激素(E+P)及对照(C)组生理盐水肌肉注射.术后18天处死裸鼠,取异位组织,采用免疫组化方法(PV6001/6002法)检测各组异位内膜MMP-2、TIMP-2、VEGF蛋白表达水平,与种植前子宫内膜比较.结果:异位内膜较正常内膜MMP-2、VEGF蛋白表达增强,TIMP-2蛋白表达减弱(P均<0.01);E组、P组、E+P组MMP-2/TIMP-2比值及VEGF蛋白表达均高于C组(P均<0.01).E+P组同E组相比MMP-2/TIMP-2比值及VEGF蛋白表达无差别(P均>0.05).结论:异位内膜的侵袭性和血管新生能力增强,且对激素的反应不同于正常内膜.     

功能障碍性子宫出血患者子宫内膜Ⅷ-RAg和MMP-9的表达

目的探讨Ⅷ因子相关抗原(Ⅷ-R Ag)和基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)在功能障碍性子宫出血(DUB)患者子宫内膜的表达。方法采用免疫组织化学方法,对正常妇女与DUB患者的子宫内膜组织中Ⅷ-R Ag和MMP-9进行标记,并应用图像分析技术对其进行定量观察与分析。结果DUB出血区子宫内膜Ⅷ-R Ag表达显著低于其无出血区内膜和正常内膜,出血区子宫内膜MMP-9表达比其无出血部位内膜和正常内膜明显增多。结论DUB患者内膜组织异常出血和脱落与Ⅷ-R Ag和MMP-9异常表达有关。     

Egr-1的诱骗性寡脱氧核苷酸抑制大鼠颈总动脉损伤后MMP-2的表达

目的观察局部转染早期生长反应因子-1(early growth response factor-1,Egr-1)的特异诱骗寡脱氧核苷酸(decoy oligodeoxynucleotides,decoy ODNs)对球囊损伤颈总动脉后基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)蛋白表达的影响及内膜增生的情况,初步探讨Egr-1,decoy ODNs抑制球囊损伤后内膜增生的机制。方法 96只健康雄性Wistar大鼠,随机分为4组,分别为假手术组、对照组、杂码组和诱骗组,每组24只。除假手术组外均应用2F球囊导管行颈总动脉球囊损伤术,术中采用转染试剂FuGENE6介导的Egr-1decoy ODNs转染至损伤后大鼠血管中,与假手术组、对照组、杂码组相比较。术后3、7、14、21d每组处死6只动物。应用HE染色和免疫组织化学方法观察大鼠颈总动脉球囊损伤后内膜增生情况和MMP-2蛋白的表达及转染Egr-1decoy ODNs后对它们的影响。结果 (1)、内膜损伤后3d内膜增厚不明显,7d内膜开始增厚,14、21d时内膜明显增厚。(2)、在假手术组近腔面中膜可见MMP-2有少量散在阳性表达;在对照组及杂码组动脉损伤后3d,在近腔面中膜,有少量阳性表达,与假手术组相比,阳性表达指数上升。7d时在新生内膜和靠近新生内膜处中膜表达明显,14d后表达逐渐下降。(3)转染decoy ODNs治疗后,在各个时间点内膜增厚程度减轻,MMP-2蛋白表达减少,与对照组比较差异有显著性(P<0.01)。结论血管球囊损伤后,内膜7d开始增生,14d、21d增生更明显,而MMP-2在7d时表达明显,之后逐渐下降,Egr-1decoy ODNs能抑制MMP-2的表达,从而减轻血管损伤后内膜的增生。     

旋覆花素抑制血管内皮损伤诱导的基质重构酶表达与活化

目的：观察旋覆花素对大鼠血管球囊损伤后内膜增生和基质金属蛋白酶-2（MMP-2）及组织金属蛋白酶抑制剂-2（TIMP-2）表达的影响,探讨旋覆花素防治血管再狭窄的可能作用和机制。方法：用球囊内皮剥脱法复制血管内膜增生模型 通过HE染色观察血管壁形态学变化 明胶酶图分析MMP-2的活性改变 Western blot和免疫组织化学检测MMP-2和TIMP-2的表达变化。结果：旋覆花素显著减轻血管损伤后内膜增生,抑制MMP-2的蛋白水解活性,降低MMP-2和TIMP-2的表达以及MMP-2/TIMP-2比值,并使其接近正常水平。结论：旋覆花素对球囊血管损伤后内膜增生的抑制作用与其对MMP-2/TIMP-2系统平衡调节有关。     

CD44v6和MMP-2 在子宫内膜异位症组织中的表达及相关性

目的:探讨粘附分子CD44拼构变异体6(CD44v6)和基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)在子宫内膜异位症(EMs)组织中的表达及相关性。方法:选取40例异位内膜组织标本、40例在位内膜组织标本及40例正常子宫内膜标本,用免疫组织化学方法检测CD44v6和MMP-2的表达,并分析其相关性。结果:CD44v6在异位内膜组的表达明显高于在位内膜组和对照组,且对照组明显高于在位内膜组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);CD44v6在在位内膜组和对照组中分泌期的表达明显高于同组增生期,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。MMP-2在异位内膜组和在位内膜组的表达明显高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.01);MMP-2在各组增生期和分泌期表达不规律。异位内膜组中,CD44v6和MMP-2在Ⅲ-Ⅳ期的表达明显高于Ⅰ-Ⅱ期,差异具有统计学意义(P0.01)。Spearman相关性分析结果显示:EMs组织中CD44v6和MMP-2之间呈现正相关性(r=0.724,P0.05);EMs不同分期组织中CD44v6和MMP-2之间亦呈现正相关性(r=0.623,P0.05)。结论:CD44v6和MMP-2在EMs异位内膜中高表达,且有正协同作用,二者可能与EMs的发生发展有关。     

基质金属蛋白酶-2 在子宫内膜异位症中的表达及应用价值

目的:探讨粘附分子CD44拼构变异体6(CD44v6)和基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)在子宫内膜异位症(EMs)组织中的表达及相关性。方法:选取20例异位内膜组织标本、20例在位内膜组织标本及20例正常子宫内膜标本,用病理常规免疫组织化学方法检测MMP-2和CD44v6的表达,并分析其相关性。结果:CD44v6在异位内膜组的表达明显高于在位内膜组和对照组,且对照组明显高于在位内膜组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);CD44v6在在位内膜组和对照组中分泌期的表达明显高于同组增生期,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。MMP-2在异位内膜组和在位内膜组的表达明显高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.01);MMP-2在各组增生期和分泌期表达不规律。异位内膜组中,CD44v6和MMP-2在Ⅲ-Ⅳ期的表达明显高于Ⅰ-Ⅱ期,差异具有统计学意义(P0.01)。Spearman相关性分析结果显示:EMs组织中MMP-2和CD44v6之间呈现正相关性(r=0.724,P0.05);EMs不同分期组织中MMP-2和CD44v6之间亦呈现正相关性(r=0.623,P0.05)。结论:MMP-2和CD44v6在EMs异位内膜中高表达,且有正协同作用,二者可能与EMs的发生发展有关。     

MMP-3与乳腺癌上皮间质转化的关系及其意义

为了探讨MMP-3在乳腺癌中表达与乳腺癌上皮间质转化的关系及其在乳腺癌浸润转移中的作用.采用免疫组织化学检测正常乳腺组织、乳腺癌癌旁组织、乳腺癌组织中MMP-3、Claudin-1、Vimentin的表达情况.研究发现:1)MMP-3在乳腺癌组织的阳性表达率较癌旁组织及正常乳腺组织高且具有统计学意义(P<0.05).Claudin-1在乳腺癌中的阳性表达率明显低于癌旁组织及正常乳腺组织具有统计学意义(P<0.05).Vimentin在乳腺癌组织阳性表达率高于癌旁组织及正常乳腺组织具有统计学意义(P<0.05);2)随着乳腺癌病理分期的增加MMP-3表达逐渐增加,同时出现Claudin-1蛋白表达降低及Vimentin蛋白表达升高.相关分析表明MMP-3与Claudin-1的表达呈负相关(r=-0.301,P=0.019),与Vimentin的表达呈正相关(r=0.378,P=0.03),Claudin-1与Vimentin的表达呈负相关(r=-0.278,P=0.031).结果提示,MMP-3可能是通过介导乳腺癌细胞发生上皮间质转化来参与乳腺癌的浸润转移.     

MMP-1、MMP-13水平变化与下肢静脉曲张的相关性分析及其意义

探讨MMP-1、MMP-13水平变化与下肢静脉曲张的相关性。采用免疫组织化学法和RT-PCR法比较20例正常大隐静脉及60例曲张大隐静脉中MMP-1、MMP-13表达差异。研究显示,曲张静脉管壁均有不同程度的MMP-1及MMP-13表达,阳性细胞数量随静脉曲张程度加重而增多,静脉曲张组MMP-1及MMP-13的阳性率较正常组明显升高(p0.05,p0.01),且随曲张程度加重而升高;不同患病程度的静脉曲张患者血清中MMP-1及MMP-13 m RNA水平均明显高于正常组,且MMP-1及MMP-13 m RNA随着患病程度的加重表达增强(p0.05,p0.01)。研究表明,MMP-1、MMP-13水平升高与下肢静脉曲张发生显著相关,下肢静脉曲张患者血清中MMP-1、MMP-13水平可作为患者病情评估的一个重要指标。     

Smoothelin and intermediate filament proteins in human aortocoronary saphenous vein by-pass grafts

The aim of this immunohistochemical investigation was to study the distribution of the novel cytoskeletal protein smoothelin and the intermediate filament proteins vimentin and desmin in normal human great saphenous vein and in human aortocoronary by-pass vein grafts. Smoothelin was present in most smooth muscle cells in the media of the native vein. In the neointima of the vein grafts that had been in situ for three months or more, smoothelin was, in general, present only in few smooth muscle cells. Desmin was distributed in the same pattern as smoothelin in the native great saphenous vein. When desmin and smoothelin were present in the neointima, smoothelin was detected in more cells than desmin. Vimentin was present in most cells in all wall layers of both the native saphenous vein and the vein grafts. Vascular smooth muscle cells containing vimentin but not desmin or smoothelin are the principal cells in the neointima of human aortocoronary vein grafts. In some grafts, however, all three cytoskeletal proteins were detected in the neointima. The distribution of smoothelin and desmin in aortocoronary vein grafts support the postulate that these proteins are expressed mainly in the contractile smooth muscle cell phenotype.     

Smoothelin and Intermediate Filament Proteins in Humanaortocoronary Saphenous Vein By-pass Grafts

The aim of this immunohistochemical investigation was to study the distribution of the novel cytoskeletal protein smoothelin and the intermediate filament proteins vimentin and desmin in normal human great saphenous vein and in human aortocoronary by-pass vein grafts. Smoothelin was present in most smooth muscle cells in the media of the native vein. In the neointima of the vein grafts that had been in situ for three months or more, smoothelin was, in general, present only in few smooth muscle cells. Desmin was distributed in the same pattern as smoothelin in the native great saphenous vein. When desmin and smoothelin were present in the neointima, smoothelin was detected in more cells than desmin. Vimentin was present in most cells in all wall layers of both the native saphenous vein and the vein grafts. Vascular smooth muscle cells containing vimentin but not desmin or smoothelin are the principal cells in the neointima of human aortocoronary vein grafts. In some grafts, however, all three cytoskeletal proteins were detected in the neointima. The distribution of smoothelin and desmin in aortocoronary vein grafts support the postulate that these proteins are expressed mainly in the contractile smooth muscle cell phenotype.     

炎性因子IL-1βIL-18对静脉移植血管再狭窄影响的动物实验研究

目的：通过观察炎性因子白细胞介素-1β、白细胞介素-18在小鼠静脉移植后再狭窄血管中的表达,为临床冠脉搭桥术后血管再狭窄的早期诊断和药物治疗提供潜在靶点。方法：48只雄性小鼠,其中24只小鼠取出下腔静脉作为供体,采用套管法移植至另外24只小鼠的右颈动脉。建立颈动静脉血管移植模型,成活后随机分成三组每组8只,分别在一周、四周、八周处死,取移植血管,观察移植血管的通畅情况、血管内膜、中膜的增殖情况及炎性因子IL-1β、IL-18的表达;以供体血管作为对照组。结果：24只模型小鼠均存活,移植静脉血管内膜、中膜不同程度增生,免疫组化结果显示,正常静脉无明显炎症细胞侵润,移植静脉在一周时组织中大量MAC-2阳性单核巨噬细胞侵润,细胞因子IL-1β、IL-18的表达与正常静脉相比明显增加,、IL-18的表达分别为（9.52±1.81）%VS（0.82±0.12）%;（7.51±1.31）%VS（0.69±0.06）%,均为P〈0.05）。在四周、八周仍有大量巨噬细胞侵润,细胞因子IL-1β高表达,四周、八周IL-1β表达分别为（7.01±1.21）%、（2.48±0.62）%。移植静脉管壁逐渐增厚,管腔逐渐狭窄;与对照组静脉比较（56.15μm±4.65μm）,一周、四周、八周血管内膜厚度显著增厚分别为（204.26μm±24.29μm 551.83μm±35.00μm 723.90μm±127.42μm,均为P〈0.05）。结论：炎性因子IL-1β、IL-18在静脉移植血管再狭窄中的表达增加,参与静脉移植后血管再狭窄的发生,因此可通过抑制炎性因子IL-1β、IL-18来治疗冠脉搭桥后静脉再狭窄。     

MicroRNA-92a -mediated endothelial to mesenchymal transition controls vein graft neointimal lesion formation

PurposeLong-term failure of vein grafts due to neointimal hyperplasia remains an important problem in coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) contributes to vein graft vascular remodeling. However, there is little study on microRNA-mediated EndMT contributions to neointimal formation in vein graft. We hypothesized that microRNA-92a (miR-92a) might play an important role in determining EndMT contributions to neointimal formation.MethodsmiR-92a and EndMT-related proteins detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot in vitro and in vivo. Adeno-associated virus 6 (AAV6) delivery gene therapy was used to inhibit neointimal formation in vivo. The intimal hyperplasia of vein grafts was measured by HE staining, the expression of EndMT-related protein in vein grafts was measured by immunofluorescence. Immunohistochemistry and luciferase assay were used to detect potential targets of miR-92a.ResultsThe expression of miR-92a was found to be upregulated in neointimal hyperplasic lesions after vein grafting. Using cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we show that TGF-β1 treatment of HUVECs significantly increased miR-92a expression and induced EndMT, characterized by suppression of endothelial-specific markers (CD31 and VE-cadherin) and an increase in mesenchymal-specific markers (a-SMA and vimentin), while inhibition of miR-92a expression blunted EndMT in cultured HUVECs. Furthermore, AAV6 mediated miR-92a suppression gene therapy effectively resulted in decreased EndMT and less neointimal formation in vein grafts in vivo. We further identified that integrin alpha 5 (ITGA5) is a potential target gene involved in the development of neointima formation in these vein grafts.ConclusionThis data suggests that neointimal formation does not solely rely on vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching but is also related to EndMT, and miR-92a-mediated EndMT is an important mechanism underlying neointimal formation in vein grafts.     

The CYP2E1 inhibitor DDC up-regulates MMP-1 expression in hepatic stellate cells via an ERK1/2- and Akt-dependent mechanism

DDC (diethyldithiocarbamate) could block collagen synthesis in HSC (hepatic stellate cells) through the inhibition of ROS (reactive oxygen species) derived from hepatocyte CYP2E1 (cytochrome P450 2E1). However, the effect of DDC on MMP-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-1), which is the main collagen degrading matrix metalloproteinase, has not been reported. In co-culture experiments, we found that DDC significantly enhanced MMP-1 expression in human HSC (LX-2) that were cultured with hepatocyte C3A cells either expressing or not expressing CYP2E1. The levels of both proenzyme and active MMP-1 enzyme were up-regulated in LX-2 cells, accompanied by elevated enzyme activity of MMP-1 and decreased collagen I, in both LX-2 cells and the culture medium. H₂O₂ treatment abrogated DDC-induced MMP-1 up-regulation and collagen I decrease, while catalase treatment slightly up-regulated MMP-1 expression. These data suggested that the decrease in ROS by DDC was partially responsible for the MMP-1 up-regulation. ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2), Akt (protein kinase B) and p38 were significantly activated by DDC. The ERK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) and Akt inhibitor (T3830) abrogated the DDC-induced MMP-1 up-regulation. In addition, a p38 inhibitor (SB203580) improved MMP-1 up-regulation through the stimulation of ERK1/2. Our data indicate that DDC significantly up-regulates the expression of MMP-1 in LX-2 cells which results in greater MMP-1 enzyme activity and decreased collagen I. The enhancement of MMP-1 expression by DDC was associated with H₂O₂ inhibition and coordinated regulation by the ERK1/2 and Akt pathways. These data provide some new insights into treatment strategies for hepatic fibrosis.     

Effect of Baicalin on Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression and Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability Following Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

Focal cerebral ischemia results in an increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which induces vasogenic brain edema via disrupting the blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Recent studies from our laboratory showed that baicalin reduces ischemic brain damage by inhibiting inflammatory reaction and neuronal apoptosis in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia. In the present study, we first explored the effect of baicalin on the neuronal damage, brain edema and BBB permeability, then further investigated its potential mechanisms. Sprague–Dawley rats underwent permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Baicalin was administrated by intraperitoneally injected twice at 2 and 12 h after the onset of MCAO. Neuronal damage, brain edema and BBB permeability were measured 24 h following MCAO. Expression of MMP-9 protein and mRNA were determined by western blot and RT–PCR, respectively. Expression of tight junction protein (TJP) occludin was detected by western blot. Neuronal damage, brain edema and BBB permeability were significantly reduced by baicalin administration following focal cerebral ischemia. Elevated expression of MMP-9 protein and mRNA were significantly down-regulated by baicalin administration. In addition, MCAO caused the decreased expression of occludin, which was significantly up-regulated by baicalin administration. Our study suggested that baicalin reduces MCAO-induced neuronal damage, brain edema and BBB permeability, which might be associated with the inhibition of MMP-9 expression and MMP-9-mediated occludin degradation.     

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。     

IL-17 Stimulates Migration of Carotid Artery Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in an MMP-9 Dependent Manner via p38 MAPK and ERK1/2-Dependent NF-κB and AP-1 Activation

Inappropriate vascular remodeling is thought to be the main cause of restenosis following angioplasty. Migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) into lumina, which is promoted by degradation of the extracellular matrix by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) plays a causal role in pathological vascular remodeling. The aim of the present research is to explore the effects of a novel cytokine, IL-17, on migration of VSMC and MMP-9 secretion. Carotid artery VSMC was isolated from Sprague–Dawley rats. Expression of MMP-9 and cell migration induced by IL-17 and its related signal pathway were detected. The results showed that IL-17-induced migration of VSMC in an MMP-9-dependent manner. IL-17-induced MMP-9 expression was via p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 dependent NF-κB and AP-1 activation. The present results demonstrated that IL-17 may play a role in vascular remodeling and targeting IL-17 or its specific downstream mediators is a potentially novel therapeutic pathway for attenuating the post-angioplastic restenosis.     

The Expression of SPARC in Human Intracranial Aneurysms and Its Relationship with MMP-2/-9

Objective

SPARC is a key determinant of invasion and metastasis in some tumors, such as gliomas, melanomas and prostate tumors. SPARC can change the composition and structure of the matrix and promote angiogenesis; these effects are closely related to clinical stage and the prognosis of tumors such as meningiomas. However, little is known about the expression of SPARC in intracranial aneurysms. The goal of this study was to establish the role of SPARC in human intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

Thirty-one intracranial aneurysms were immunohistochemically stained for SPARC, MMP-2 and MMP-9. As controls, normal Circle of Willis arteries were similarly immunostained. All specimens were retrieved during autopsies and were embedded in paraffin. To evaluate the expression levels of SPARC, MMP-2 and MMP-9, western blotting was also performed in three available intracranial aneurysm specimens. The limited availability of fresh intracranial aneurysm tissue was the result of the majority of patients choosing endovascular embolization.

Results

The results showed that SPARC, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were strongly expressed in intracranial aneurysm tissues; however, these proteins were expressed minimally or not at all in normal Circle of Willis arteries. The western blot results showed that the expression levels of SPARC, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly up-regulated in intracranial aneurysms relative to the expression levels in the normal Circle of Willis arteries. Data analysis showed that SPARC was significantly correlated with MMP-2 and MMP-9, also with age and risk factors but not with the Hunt-Hess grade or with sex.

Conclusion

The results indicate that SPARC is widely expressed in human intracranial aneurysms, and its expression correlates with MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, age and risk factors but not with the Hunt-Hess grade. The results of this study suggest that SPARC has a pathogenic role in the alteration of the extracellular matrix of intracranial arteries during aneurysm formation.