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。     

基质金属蛋白酶-9及金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂-1在孕鼠胎盘形成中期的表达模式

目的探讨基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)及金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂-1(TIMP-1)在孕鼠胎盘形成中期的表达模式。方法 HE染色观察孕鼠第9天至第14天(D9~D14)胎盘形态结构的变化,同时免疫组织化学法检测相应天数胎盘中MMP-9和TIMP-1的表达情况。结果 HE染色结果显示孕鼠D11时胎盘的3层结构开始形成,包括蜕膜区(Dec)、海绵滋养细胞层(Sp)和迷路区(Lab);随着妊娠天数的增加,Dec区域逐渐缩小,Sp和Lab区域增大;免疫组化表明,MMP-9和TIMP-1均表达于细胞浆和细胞核中,MMP-9强表达于D9和D10胎盘的外胎盘锥中,D10~D13的Dec、Sp和D11~D13的滋养巨细胞中。MMP-9在D11的Lab,D12的Dec和Lab,D13的Dec、Sp、Lab区域中的阳性细胞的积分光密度值与D14胎盘中对应值比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);TIMP-1在D9~D12的Dec区域中的阳性细胞的积分光密度值与D14胎盘中对应值比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);MMP-9/TIMP-1在D9、D11的Dec及D12的Lab区域中的比值与D14胎盘中对应值比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),在D10、D12的Dec和D13的Lab区域中的比值与D14胎盘中对应值比较,差异有高度统计学意义(P0.01)。结论 MMP-9和TIMP-1在孕鼠胎盘中的协同表达可能参与调节胎盘的形成。     

Interferon-Gamma Increases the Ratio of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9/Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 in Peripheral Monocytes from Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) may be triggered by acute infections. Systemic production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is induced during infection and regulates the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs), both important in plaque stability. This study evaluates the effect of IFN-γ on the MMPs/TIMP-1 ratio in cultured monocytes from 30 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), 30 with unstable angina (UA) or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and 30 healthy blood donors. Supernatant concentrations of MMP-1, -2, -9, and TIMP-1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassays. Basal concentration of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 was similar between groups, while MMP-2 was higher in healthy individuals and MMP-9 in patients with UA/NSTEMI. Upon IFN-γ stimulation, MMP-9 secretion increased in all groups, while TIMP-1 decreased only in patients with CAD, which in turn result in a strikingly elevation in their mean MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio. MMP-1/TIMP-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-1 ratios were <1.0 in basal conditions and after stimulation in all groups. Our results suggest that nonstimulated monocytes from patients with stable CAD show a similar behavior than those from healthy individuals. However, stimulation with IFN-γ induces an increase on the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio as high as that found in patients with ACS. Thus, it may bring biological plausibility to the association between acute infections and the development of ACS.     

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.     

Association between Serum Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Levels and Mortality in Patients with Severe Brain Trauma Injury

Objective

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) play a role in neuroinflammation after brain trauma injury (TBI). Previous studies with small sample size have reported higher circulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in patients with TBI, but no association between those levels and mortality. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether serum TIMP-1 and MMP-9 levels are associated with mortality in patients with severe TBI.

Methods

This was a multicenter, observational and prospective study carried out in six Spanish Intensive Care Units. Patients with severe TBI defined as Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) lower than 9 were included, while those with Injury Severity Score (ISS) in non-cranial aspects higher than 9 were excluded. Serum levels of TIMP-1, MMP-9 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and plasma levels of tissue factor (TF) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 plasma were measured in 100 patients with severe TBI at admission. Endpoint was 30-day mortality.

Results

Non-surviving TBI patients (n = 27) showed higher serum TIMP-1 levels than survivor ones (n = 73). We did not find differences in MMP-9 serum levels. Logistic regression analysis showed that serum TIMP-1 levels were associated 30-day mortality (OR = 1.01; 95% CI = 1.001–1.013; P = 0.03). Survival analysis showed that patients with serum TIMP-1 higher than 220 ng/mL presented increased 30-day mortality than patients with lower levels (Chi-square = 5.50; P = 0.02). The area under the curve (AUC) for TIMP-1 as predictor of 30-day mortality was 0.73 (95% CI = 0.624–0.844; P<0.001). An association between TIMP-1 levels and APACHE-II score, TNF- alpha and TF was found.

Conclusions

The most relevant and new findings of our study, the largest series reporting data on TIMP-1 and MMP-9 levels in patients with severe TBI, were that serum TIMP-1 levels were associated with TBI mortality and could be used as a prognostic biomarker of mortality in TBI patients.     

MMP-3、TIMP-3在人胃癌组织中的表达及意义

目的:探讨MMP-3和TIMP-3在人胃癌组织中的表达及其意义.方法:根据胃癌的病理大体分型将40例胃癌组织分为早期组和晚期组.其中,早期组同时不伴有淋巴结转移,晚期组伴有淋巴结转移.采用光镜、透射电镜和免疫组化方法对这两组胃癌组织的超微结构,MMP-3,TIMP-3表达和MMP-3/TIMP-3的比值进行检测.结果:MMP-3和TIMP-3主要表达于癌细胞胞浆内.早期组MMP-3阳性表达细胞较少,晚期组阳性细胞较多,二者数密度和面密度比较,具有统计学意义(P＜0.01);早期组TIMP-3阳性表达细胞较多,晚期组阳性细胞较少,二者比较,具有统计学意义(P＜0.01)MMP-3/TIMP-3的比值在胃癌晚期较早期增大,具有统计学意义(P＜0.01);电镜观察显示胃癌早期淋巴细胞浸润较多,癌细胞穿基膜不明显,晚期则淋巴细胞浸润较少,癌细胞穿基膜明显.结论:MMP-3,TIMP-3的表达程度和MMP-3/TIMP-3的比值可作为判定胃癌的侵袭和转移的指标,对其预后的判断具有参考价值.     

MMP-3、TIMP-3在人胃癌组织中的表达及意义

目的:探讨MMP-3和TIMP-3在人胃癌组织中的表达及其意义.方法:根据胃癌的病理大体分型将40例胃癌组织分为早期组和晚期组.其中,早期组同时不伴有淋巴结转移,晚期组伴有淋巴结转移.采用光镜、透射电镜和免疫组化方法对这两组胃癌组织的超微结构,MMP-3,TIMP-3表达和MMP-3/TIMP-3的比值进行检测.结果:MMP-3和TIMP-3主要表达于癌细胞胞浆内.早期组MMP-3阳性表达细胞较少,晚期组阳性细胞较多,二者数密度和面密度比较,具有统计学意义(P＜0.01);早期组TIMP-3阳性表达细胞较多,晚期组阳性细胞较少,二者比较,具有统计学意义(P＜0.01)MM-3/TIMP-3的比值在胃癌晚期较早期增大,具有统计学意义(P＜0.01);电镜观察显示胃癌早期淋巴细胞浸润较多,癌细胞穿基膜不明显,晚期则淋巴细胞浸润较少,癌细胞穿基膜明显.结论:MMP-3,TIMP-3的表达程度和MMP-3/TIMP-3的比值可作为判定胃癌的侵袭和转移的指标,对其预后的判断具有参考价值.     

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。     

Decreased Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Increased Expression of Tissue Inhibitors of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 in Paratuberculosis-Infected Cattle in the ELISA-Negative Subclinical Stage

We investigated the gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in peripheral blood cells from infected cattle with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) in the ELISA-negative subclinical stage compared with uninfected control cattle. Significant decreased MMP-9 expression and increased TIMP-1 expression were found in peripheral blood cells from Map-infected cattle after stimulation with Map lysate and Map purified protein derivative (PPD) than in control cattle by real-time RT-PCR analysis. In contrast to the uninfected controls, the activity of MMP-9 was also decreased in peripheral blood cell culture supernatants from Map-infected cattle at 24 hr after Map lysate and MapPPD stimulation by gelatin zymography analysis. As a result, the MMP-9 may play an important role in the development of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis disease.     

Neuroprotection from Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 and its nanoparticles

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are family of zinc dependent endopeptidases, which cleave extracellular matrix proteins, and play an important role in tissue remodelling in physiological and pathological processes. There is enhanced expression of MMPs, in particular MMP-9, during numerous pathological conditions, including epilepsy and ischemic stroke. Therefore, inhibition of MMP-9 is considered as a potential therapeutic target. Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) is a 28 kDa endogenous inhibitor of MMP-9. In this study we examined recombinant mouse TIMP-1 for its in-vitro neuroprotective effects, against Kainic Acid (KA) induced excitotoxicity in organotypic hippocampal slice culture (OHC) model. We also studied, sustained release effects of TIMP-1 in OHC by using poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs). TIMP-1 and TIMP-1 PLGA NPs were added to the slice cultures at different time points, i.e., 30 min before treatment with KA and 6 h after KA treatment. Propidium iodide staining was used to reveal cell toxicity in the cultures. In addition, neurotoxicity was assessed using standard lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. Gelatinolytic activity in conditioned cultured medium of OHC was accessed by a fluorescent substrate assay. Briefly, our result show that TIMP-1 provided significant level of neuroprotection, especially when given before 30 min of KA and released from the NPs. Since gelatinolytic activity assay showed a decrease in MMP-9 activity, it can be suggested that this neuroprotection might be mediated by the gelatinase inhibition.     

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.     

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。     

基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂-4在大肠杆菌中的克隆与表达

基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂4(tissueinhibitorofmetalloproteinase4,TIMP4)为心脏特异性表达,在心脏代谢和肿瘤转移、侵袭过程中具有重要作用。为进一步研究其功能和作用机理,以PCR方法扩增人基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂4不含信号肽的表达序列,测序鉴定正确后,构建原核重组表达质粒pMALc2TIMP4,转化大肠杆菌,IPTG诱导阳性克隆,大量表达重组蛋白。细菌经超声破碎后,其上清中的重组蛋白经SDSPAGE初步鉴定分子量大小与理论值一致,为以后基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂4的研究创造了条件 。     

Salvianolic Acid A,a Novel Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Inhibitor,Prevents Cardiac Remodeling in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Cardiac fibrosis is a deleterious consequence of hypertension which may further advance to heart failure and increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) contributes to the underlying mechanism. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies to attenuate the effects of MMP-9 are urgently needed. In the present study, we characterize salvianolic acid A (SalA) as a novel MMP-9 inhibitor at molecular, cellular and animal level. We expressed a truncated form of MMP-9 which contains only the catalytic domain (MMP-9 CD), and used this active protein for enzymatic kinetic analysis and Biacore detection. Data generated from these assays indicated that SalA functioned as the strongest competitive inhibitor of MMP-9 among 7 phenolic acids from Salvia miltiorrhiza. In neonatal cardiac fibroblast, SalA inhibited fibroblast migration, blocked myofibroblast transformation, inhibited secretion of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) as well as collagen induced by MMP-9 CD. Functional effects of SalA inhibition on MMP-9 was further confirmed in cultured cardiac H9c2 cell overexpressing MMP-9 in vitro and in heart of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in vivo. Moreover, SalA treatment in SHR resulted in decreased heart fibrosis and attenuated heart hypertrophy. These results indicated that SalA is a novel inhibitor of MMP-9, thus playing an inhibitory role in hypertensive fibrosis. Further studies to develop SalA and its analogues for their potential clinical application of cardioprotection are warranted.     

膜型基质金属蛋白酶亚家族和基质金属蛋白酶-2在人恶性造血细胞株中的表达谱及其相关性

为探讨不同恶性血液病中膜型基质金属蛋白酶（memberane-type matrix metalloproteinases, MT-MMPs）和基质金属蛋白酶-2（matrix metalloproteinase-2,MMP-2）的表达差异,用半定量RT-PCR检测了13株不同谱系恶性造血细胞株中MT-MMPs和MMP-2的mRNA表达差异.明胶酶谱法分析各细胞株MMP-2的酶活,并用流式细胞术检测了MT1-MMP蛋白的表达,用SPSS10.0分析了各基因的表达与细胞来源的相关性和各基因相互间表达的相关性.结果提示,各种MT-MMPs和MMP-2在13株细胞中呈现不同的表达谱,其中MT2、MT4、MT1-MMP和MMP-2表达较广泛,而MT3、MT5、MT6-MMP在检测的细胞株中较少表达.统计分析显示,MT-MMPs和MMP-2的表达与细胞的来源无明显的相关性（P>0.1）,而MT1-MMP和MMP-2的表达有相关性（P<0.05）.同时也发现,MT3-MMP和MT5-MMP的表达有相关性（P<0.05）.MT-MMPs在恶性造血细胞中的表达差异,提示它们在不同类型的血液系统肿瘤发展中发挥各自独特的作用.另外,MT1 MMP和MMP-2,MT3-MMP和MT5-MMP之间表达的相关性提示,它们在功能上密切相关.     

基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂-2基因的人工合成与克隆

根据GenBank报道的基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂-2(TIMP-2)氨基酸序列和毕赤酵母偏爱密码子设计,通过化学方法合成得到适合在毕赤酵母中表达的目的TIMP-2基因序列,并将其克隆到质粒pPIC9中,构建了pPIC9-T2表达载体,PCR鉴定及测序结果表明得到了正确的TIMP-2基因序列。     

Natural Haemozoin Induces Expression and Release of Human Monocyte Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1

Recently matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its endogenous inhibitor (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, TIMP-1) have been implicated in complicated malaria. In vivo, mice with cerebral malaria (CM) display high levels of both MMP-9 and TIMP-1, and in human patients TIMP-1 serum levels directly correlate with disease severity. In vitro, natural haemozoin (nHZ, malarial pigment) enhances monocyte MMP-9 expression and release. The present study analyses the effects of nHZ on TIMP-1 regulation in human adherent monocytes. nHZ induced TIMP-1 mRNA expression and protein release, and promoted TNF-α, IL-1β, and MIP-1α/CCL3 production. Blocking antibodies or recombinant cytokines abrogated or mimicked nHZ effects on TIMP-1, respectively. p38 MAPK and NF-κB inhibitors blocked all nHZ effects on TIMP-1 and pro-inflammatory molecules. Still, total gelatinolytic activity was enhanced by nHZ despite TIMP-1 induction. Collectively, these data indicate that nHZ induces inflammation-mediated expression and release of human monocyte TIMP-1 through p38 MAPK- and NF-κB-dependent mechanisms. However, TIMP-1 induction is not sufficient to counterbalance nHZ-dependent MMP-9 enhancement. Future investigation on proteinase-independent functions of TIMP-1 (i.e. cell survival promotion and growth/differentiation inhibition) is needed to clarify the role of TIMP-1 in malaria pathogenesis.     

A Novel Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 in Macrophage Differentiation and Polarization

Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP8) has been shown to influence various cellular functions. As monocytes and macrophages (Mφ) express MMP8, we investigated if MMP8 played a role in macrophage differentiation and polarization. MMP8 expression was significantly increased during monocyte differentiation into Mφ. Monocyte-derived Mφ from MMP8-deficient mice expressed higher levels of M1-Mφ markers but lower levels of M2-Mφ markers than monocyte-derived Mφ from wild-type mice. Although Mφ from either MMP8-deficient or wild-type mice were inducible by interferon-γ into M1-Mφ, only wild-type Mφ but not MMP8-deficient Mφ could be induced into M2-Mφ by interleukin-4. However, MMP8-deficient Mφ exposed to conditioned culture media of wild-type Mφ developed a M2-Mφ phenotype. Compared with conditioned culture media of wild-type Mφ, conditioned culture media of MMP8-deficient Mφ contained a lower concentration of active transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), an M2-Mφ inducer. Moreover, evidence also showed that the degradation of the TGF-β sequester, fibromodulin, was modulated by MMP8. The data indicate a previously unknown role of MMP8 in M2-Mφ polarization by cleaving fibromodulin and therefore increasing the bioavailability of the M2-Mφ inducer TGF-β.