A role for matrix metalloproteinase-9 in pathogenesis of urogenital Chlamydia muridarum infection in mice

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of host-derived enzymes involved in the turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and the processing of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. We have previously reported that global inhibition of MMP in Chlamydia muridarum urogenital tract infection of susceptible strains of female mice impeded ascension of C. muridarum into the upper genital tract, blunted acute inflammatory responses and reduced the rate of formation of chronic disease. Because we have also observed that MMP-9 (also known as gelatinase B) is expressed in relatively large quantities in susceptible strains of mice in response to infection during acute phases of infection, we explored this further in a more selected fashion. We infected MMP-9 gene knockout mice and wild type controls intravaginally with C. muridarum. Both groups of mice had similar isolation rates from the lower urogenital tract but the absence of MMP-9 resulted in a slightly lower isolation rate in the upper genital tract, blunted acute inflammatory indices in the affected tissues and a reduced rate of formation of hydrosalpinx–a surrogate marker of infertility. These results imply that MMP-9 is involved in pathogenesis of chlamydial infection in this model possibly by amplifying inflammatory responses.     

LIGHT信号通路在鼠衣原体生殖道感染中的作用

【目的】初步探讨与单纯疱疹病毒糖蛋白D竞争结合疱疹病毒侵入介体的淋巴毒素类似物(lymphotoxin-like inducible protein that competes with glycoprotein D for herpesvirus entry on T cells,LIGHT)在抗衣原体感染免疫及介导衣原体生殖道病理损伤过程的作用。【方法】用1×104IFUs的Mo Pn经生殖道感染野生型(wild type,wt)、LIGHT KO小鼠,每组一半小鼠于感染后49d,再次感染相同剂量的Mo Pn。每隔3-4 d取生殖道分泌物,测定其中衣原体包涵体的数量。初次感染后80d,处死小鼠,眼眶取血,分离血清,用间接免疫荧光法测定其中抗体类型及效价;同时分离生殖道,肉眼观察其输卵管、子宫角水肿程度,然后甲醛固定、切片,H&E染色后,显微镜下观察各组织炎性浸润程度和管腔水肿程度。分离小鼠脾细胞,体外用衣原体EB刺激,测定上清中IL-4、IL-5、IL-17和IFN-γ等细胞因子水平。【结果】LIGHT KO小鼠阴道带菌时间与wt组相当,大部分小鼠均在原发感染后28d左右完全清除感染,且均产生对再次感染的免疫力。LIGHT KO和wt小鼠子宫角和输卵管均出现一定程度的病变,但差异无统计学意义。两组小鼠在原发和继发感染Mo Pn后,均产生高效价的特异性抗Mo Pn Ig G抗体,总抗体及各Ig G抗体亚类效价差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),且Ig G2a/Ig G1比值均大于1。和wt小鼠一样,LIGHT KO小鼠脾淋巴细胞经衣原体再次刺激后均可产生较高水平的IFN-γ和IL-17,且未能检测到IL-4和IL-5。【结论】小鼠抗Mo Pn生殖道感染及Mo Pn引起的生殖道病理损伤不依赖于LIGHT信号通路。     

The role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in antibody-induced arthritis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a large group of enzymes responsible for matrix degradation. Among them, the family of gelatinases (MMP-2/gelatinase A and MMP-9/gelatinase B) is overproduced in the joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Because of their degradative effects on the extracellular matrix, gelatinases have been believed to play an important role in progression and cartilage degradation in this disease, although their precise roles are yet to be defined. To clarify these roles, we investigated the development of Ab-induced arthritis, one of the murine models of rheumatoid arthritis, in MMP-2 or MMP-9 knockout (KO) mice. Surprisingly, the MMP-2 KO mice exhibited severe clinical and histologic arthritis than wild-type mice. The MMP-9 KO mice displayed milder arthritis. Recovery from exacerbated arthritis in the MMP-2 KO mice was possible by injection of wild-type fibroblasts. These results indicated a suppressive role of MMP-2 and a pivotal role of MMP-9 in the development of inflammatory joint disease.     

沙眼衣原体分泌性蛋白Pgp3滴鼻免疫增强小鼠对衣原体生殖道感染的保护作用

【目的】探讨不同免疫途径沙眼衣原体(Chlamydia trachomatis,Ct)分泌性蛋白Pgp3的免疫保护效果,分析其可能的保护机制,以确定Pgp3蛋白疫苗在Ct疫苗研制中的应用价值。【方法】分泌性蛋白Pgp3经滴鼻或肌注途径免疫雌性Balb/c小鼠,免疫60 d后,阴道接种鼠沙眼衣原体(Chlamydia muridarum,Cm)建立生殖道感染动物模型,在该模型中评价Pgp3蛋白疫苗抗Cm感染的保护效果,并探讨其机制。【结果】滴鼻或肌注免疫后,小鼠血清及生殖道中检测到了特异性抗体;小鼠脾淋巴细胞产生IFN-γ、IL-17及IL-5水平均明显高于对照组,且滴鼻免疫组IFN-γ水平升高较肌注组更显著(P<0.05);Pgp3蛋白滴鼻免疫组小鼠经Cm生殖道感染后,阴道带菌时间明显缩短,输卵管病理改变轻而肌注免疫组其保护作用不明显。【结论】Pgp3蛋白经滴鼻免疫可有效诱导小鼠产生明显的抗Cm保护效应。其可能的免疫保护机制与诱导Th1型为主的细胞免疫应答及高效价的特异性抗体有关,提示Pgp3蛋白疫苗具有潜在的疫苗研究与开发价值。     

Phagocytosis of hemozoin enhances matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity and TNF-alpha production in human monocytes: role of matrix metalloproteinases in the pathogenesis of falciparum malaria

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), secreted by activated monocytes, degrades matrix proteins, disrupts basal lamina, and activates TNF-alpha from its precursors. In turn, TNF-alpha enhances synthesis of MMP-9 in monocytes. We show here that trophozoite-parasitized RBCs/hemozoin-fed adherent human monocytes displayed increased MMP-9 activity and protein/mRNA expression, produced TNF-alpha time-dependently, and showed higher matrix invasion ability. MMP-9 activation was specific for trophozoite/hemozoin-fed monocytes, was dependent on TNF-alpha production, and abrogated by anti-TNF-alpha Ab and by a specific inhibitor of MMP-9/MMP-13 activity. Hemozoin-induced enhancement of MMP-9 and TNF-alpha production would have a 2-fold effect: to start and feed a cyclic reinforcement loop in which hemozoin enhances production of TNF-alpha, which in turn induces both activation of MMP-9 and shedding of TNF-alpha into the extracellular compartment; and, second, to disrupt the basal lamina of endothelia. Excess production of TNF-alpha and disruption of the basal lamina with extravasation of blood cells into perivascular tissues are hallmarks of severe malaria. Pharmacological inhibition of MMP-9 may offer a new chance to control pathogenic mechanisms in malaria.     

Assessment of the role in protection and pathogenesis of the Chlamydia muridarum V-type ATP synthase subunit A (AtpA) (TC0582)

A novel Chlamydia muridarum antigen (TC0582) was used to vaccinate BALB/c mice. Mice were also immunized with other components of the ATP synthase complex (TC0580, TC0581, and TC0584), or with the major outer membrane protein (MOMP). TC0582 was also formulated in combination with TC0580, TC0581 or MOMP. TC0582 alone, or in combination with the other antigens, elicited strong Chlamydia-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Vaccinated animals were challenged intranasally and the course of the infection was followed for 10 days. Based on percentage change in body weight, lung weight, and number of Chlamydia inclusion forming units recovered from the lungs, mice immunized with TC0582, TC0581 or MOMP, as single antigens, showed significant protection. Mice immunized with combinations of two antigens were also protected but the level of protection was not additive. TC0582 has sequence homology with the eukaryotic ATP synthase subunit A (AtpA). Therefore, to determine if immunization with TC0582, or with Chlamydia, elicited antibodies that cross-reacted with the mouse AtpA, the two proteins were printed on a microarray. Sera from mice immunized with TC0582 and/or live Chlamydia, strongly reacted with TC0582 but did not recognize the mouse AtpA. In conclusion, TC0582 may be considered as a Chlamydia vaccine candidate.     

Identification of dendritic cell subsets responding to genital infection by Chlamydia muridarum

Dendritic cells (DCs) are central for the induction of T-cell responses needed for chlamydial eradication. Here, we report the activation of two DC subsets: a classical CD11b+ (cDC) and plasmacytoid (pDC) during genital infection with Chlamydia muridarum . Genital infection induced an influx of cDC and pDC into the genital tract and its draining lymph node (iliac lymph nodes, ILN) as well as colocalization with T cells in the ILN. Genital infection with C. muridarum also stimulated high levels of costimulatory molecules on cDC central for the activation of naïve T cells in vivo . In contrast, pDC expressed low levels of most costimulatory molecules in vivo and did not secrete cytokines associated with the production of T helper (Th)1 cells in vitro . However, pDC upregulated inducible costimulatory ligand expression and produced IL-6 and IL-10 in response to chlamydial exposure in vitro . Our findings show that these two DC subsets likely have different functions in vivo . cDCs are prepared for induction of antichlamydial T-cell responses, whereas pDCs have characteristics associated with the differentiation of non-Th1 cell subsets.     

Immunocharacterization of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in canine transmissible venereal tumors

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are endogenous proteases that are responsible for degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and cell surface antigens. The breakdown of ECM participates in the local invasion and distant metastases of malignant tumors. Canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) is a naturally occurring contagious round cell neoplasm of dogs that affects mainly the external genitalia of both sexes. CTVT generally is a locally invasive tumor, but distant metastases also are common in puppies and immunocompromised dogs. We investigated the immune expressions and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in CTVT. The presence of these enzymes in tumor cells and tissue homogenates was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. We used gelatin substrate zymography to evaluate the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzymes in tumor homogenates. We found that tumor cells expressed both MMP-2 and MMP-9. Electrophoretic bands corresponding to MMP-9 and MMP-2 were identified in immunoblots and clear bands that corresponded to the active forms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 also were detected in gelatin zymograms. Our study is the first detailed documentation of MMPs in CTVT.     

Significant role of IL-1 signaling, but limited role of inflammasome activation, in oviduct pathology during Chlamydia muridarum genital infection

IL-1β has been implicated in the development of oviduct pathology during Chlamydia muridarum genital infection in the mouse model. The goal of this study was to characterize the role of IL-1 signaling and the inflammasome-activation pathways during genital chlamydial infection. Compared with control mice, IL-1R-deficient mice displayed delayed clearance and increased chlamydial colonization. Consistent with the role for IL-1 signaling in infection clearance, mice deficient for the IL-1R antagonist cleared infection at a faster rate. Despite increased infection, IL-1R-deficient mice had significantly reduced oviduct pathology, which was associated with decreased numbers of neutrophils, but more macrophages, in the genital tract. IL-1β secretion is dependent on caspase-1 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing caspase recruitment domain (ASC) inflammasome during in vitro infection of primed macrophages with C. muridarum. To investigate the role of inflammasome components during in vivo genital infection, mice lacking NLRP3, NLRC4, and ASC were tested and found to display no reduction in oviduct pathology compared with control mice. Mice deficient for ASC displayed a prolonged course of infection, which was associated with reduced T cell recruitment and proliferation. Further, ASC-deficient mice displayed normal levels of IL-1β in genital secretions. However, a significant decrease in caspase-1-dependent IL-18 was observed in both ASC- and NLRP3-deficient mice. These data demonstrate a major role for IL-1 signaling, but a limited role for the inflammasome pathway, in IL-1β secretion and development of oviduct pathology during genital chlamydial infection. The data also suggest an IL-1-independent role for ASC in adaptive immunity during genital chlamydial infection.     

A residue in the S2 subsite controls substrate selectivity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 are closely related metalloproteinases that are implicated in angiogenesis. The two proteins have a similar domain structure and highly homologous catalytic domains, making them an excellent comparative model for understanding the structural basis of substrate recognition by the MMP family. Although the two MMPs exhibit some overlap in substrate recognition, our recent work showed that MMP-2 can cleave a set of peptide substrates that are only poorly recognized by MMP-9 (Chen, E. I., Kridel, S. J., Howard, E. W., Li, W., Godzik, A., and Smith, J. W. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 4485-4491). Mutations at the P(2) position of these peptide substrates dramatically reduced their selectivity for MMP-2. Inspection of the corresponding S(2) pocket of the substrate-binding cleft of the protease reveals that MMP-9 contains an Asp, whereas MMP-2 contains Glu. Here, we test the hypothesis that this conservative substitution has a role in substrate selectivity. Mutation of Glu(412) in MMP-2 to Asp significantly reduced the hydrolysis of selective substrates, with only a minor effect on hydrolysis of non-selective substrates. The predominant effect of the mutation is at the level of k(cat), or turnover rate, with reductions reaching as high as 37-fold. The residues that occupy this position in other MMPs are highly variable, providing a potential structural basis for substrate recognition across the MMP family.     

Stimulation of the cytosolic receptor for peptidoglycan, Nod1, by infection with Chlamydia trachomatis or Chlamydia muridarum

Infection of epithelial cells by the intracellular pathogen, Chlamydia trachomatis, leads to activation of NF-kappaB and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We find that overexpression of a dominant-negative Nod1 or depletion of Nod1 by RNA interference inhibits partially the activation of NF-kappaB during chlamydial infection in vitro, suggesting that Nod1 can detect the presence of Chlamydia. In parallel, there is a larger increase in the expression of pro-inflammatory genes following Chlamydia infection when primary fibroblasts are isolated from wild-type mice than from Nod1-deficient mice. The Chlamydia genome encodes all the putative enzymes required for proteoglycan synthesis, but proteoglycan from Chlamydia has never been detected biochemically. Since Nod1 is a ubiquitous cytosolic receptor for peptidoglycan from Gram-negative bacteria, our results suggest that C. trachomatis and C. muridarum do in fact produce at least the rudimentary proteoglycan motif recognized by Nod1. Nonetheless, Nod1 deficiency has no effect on the efficiency of infection, the intensity of cytokine secretion, or pathology in vaginally infected mice, compared with wild-type controls. Similarly, Rip2, a downstream mediator of Nod1, Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2, and TLR4, increases only slightly the intensity of chlamydial infection in vivo and has a very mild effect on the immune response and pathology. Thus, Chlamydia may not produce sufficient peptidoglycan to stimulate Nod1-dependent pathways efficiently in infected animals, or other receptors of the innate immune system may compensate for the absence of Nod1 during Chlamydia infection in vivo.     

Genetic variants in matrix metalloproteinase-9 gene modify metalloproteinase-9 levels in black subjects

Altered matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) levels are involved in cardiovascular diseases and increased MMP-9 levels enhance the cardiovascular risk in apparently healthy subjects. We investigated the effects of MMP-9 gene polymorphisms and haplotypes on the circulating MMP-9 levels in healthy black subjects and the effects of an MMP-2 polymorphism on the plasma MMP-2 concentrations. We studied 190 healthy subjects, nonsmokers, self-reported as blacks (18-63 years). Genotypes for the MMP-2 C(-1306)T polymorphism and the MMP-9 C(-1562)T, 90(CA)(14-24) and Q279R polymorphisms (rs243865, rs3918242, rs2234681, and rs17576, respectively) were determined by TaqMan(?) Allele Discrimination assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction or restriction fragment length polymorphism. Alleles for the 90(CA)(14-24) polymorphism were grouped as low (L) when there were <21 and high (H) when there were ≥21 CA repeats. The plasma levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were determined by gelatin zymography. The software PHASE 2.1 was used to estimate the haplotypes frequencies. Although we found no effects of the MMP-9 C(-1562)T or the Q279R polymorphisms on MMP-9 levels, higher MMP-9 levels were associated with the HH genotype for the -90(CA)(14-24) polymorphism compared with the HL or LL genotypes. Lower MMP-9 levels were found in carriers of the CRL haplotype (combining the C, R, and L alleles for the MMP-9 polymorphisms) compared with the CRH haplotype. Consistent with this finding, the CRL haplotype was more commonly found in subjects with low MMP-9 levels. The MMP-2 C(-1306)T polymorphism had no effects on the plasma MMP-2 levels. Our results show that MMP-9 genetic variations modify MMP-9 levels in black subjects and may offer biochemical evidence implicating MMP-9 in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases in blacks.     

Curcumin alleviates matrix metalloproteinase-3 and -9 activities during eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in cultured cells and mice

Current therapy-regimens against Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infections have considerable failure rates and adverse side effects that urge the quest for an effective alternative therapy. We have shown that curcumin is capable of eradicating Hp-infection in mice. Here we examine the mechanism by which curcumin protects Hp infection in cultured cells and mice. Since, MMP-3 and -9 are inflammatory molecules associated to the pathogenesis of Hp-infection, we investigated the role of curcumin on inflammatory MMPs as well as proinflammatory molecules. Curcumin dose dependently suppressed MMP-3 and -9 expression in Hp infected human gastric epithelial (AGS) cells. Consistently, Hp-eradication by curcumin-therapy involved significant downregulation of MMP-3 and -9 activities and expression in both cytotoxic associated gene (cag)(+ve) and cag(-ve) Hp-infected mouse gastric tissues. Moreover, we demonstrate that the conventional triple therapy (TT) alleviated MMP-3 and -9 activities less efficiently than curcumin and curcumin's action on MMPs was linked to decreased pro-inflammatory molecules and activator protein-1 activation in Hp-infected gastric tissues. Although both curcumin and TT were associated with MMP-3 and -9 downregulation during Hp-eradication, but unlike TT, curcumin enhanced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and inhibitor of kappa B-α. These data indicate that curcumin-mediated healing of Hp-infection involves regulation of MMP-3 and -9 activities.     

Enhanced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 by hepatitis B virus infection in liver cells

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of human liver disease, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The prognosis for HCC is largely dependent on the clinicopathological characteristics regarding invasion and metastasis. Enhanced matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression has been implicated as playing an important role in metastasis and invasion of HCC. However, the relationship between HBV infection and MMP-9 expression in HCC is currently poorly understood. We report here on a study of the levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression in human fetal liver tissue, rat liver tissue, and Chang, HepG2, and Hep3B cells by gelatin zymography. Among these sources, Hep3B cells, which contain the integrated hepatitis B viral genome, continuously secrete the hepatitis B viral surface antigen, and express HBV genomic RNA, expressed high levels of proMMP-9, and a small amount of active MMP-9 was detected in Hep3B cells as assayed by zymography. We investigated the issue of whether HBV infection affects MMP-9 expression, which is known to play an important role in HCC invasion and metastasis. As a first step, human fetal hepatocyte (HFH) and HepG2 (HCC origin, HBV not detected) cells were subjected to infection with HBV, and the resulting infected cells successfully established are hereafter referred to as HFH-T2 and HepG2-HBV. The expression of MMP-9 was upregulated by the infected HBV in HFH-T2 and HepG2-HBV cells, as assayed by zymography, Northern blot, and Western blot analysis, and small amounts of active MMP-9 were detected in HFH-T2 and HepG2-HBV cells as assayed by zymography. The activation of the immature proMMP-9 to the mature MMP-9 could be induced by plasmin treatment. The activation of proMMP-9 was increased to a greater extent with plasmin treatment than without plasmin in HFH-T2 and HepG2-HBV cells but the addition of recombinant TIMP-1 inhibited the activation of proMMP-9. Finally, the addition of plasmin to the invasion assay using Matrigel resulted in an increase in invasiveness of HFH-T2 and HepG2-HBV cells, as well as MMP-9 activation, but the treatment with TIMP-1 inhibited the invasiveness of HFH-T2 and HepG2-HBV cells as well as MMP-9 activation. We conclude from these findings that HBV infection of hepatocytes and HepG2 cells affected the upregulation of MMP-9 expression and MMP-9 activation and, thus, increased the invasion potential by plasmin. To our knowledge, this is a first report showing that an HBV infection is linked to the upregulation of MMP-9 in HCC.     

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.     

Chlamydia muridarum enters a viable but non-infectious state in amoxicillin-treated BALB/c mice

In culture, exposure to penicillin and other stressors induce chlamydiae to enter a non-infectious but viable state termed persistence. Chlamydiae may reenter their normal developmental cycle after stressor removal. Though aberrant RB similar to those present in culture models of persistence have been observed within infected tissues, the existence of persistent chlamydiae has not been definitively demonstrated in vivo. As a result, the role of persistent organisms in pathogenesis is undefined. In order to establish an experimentally tractable model of in vivo persistence, Chlamydia muridarum vaginally-infected mice were gavaged with either water or amoxicillin (amox). Vaginal swabs were collected for chlamydial titration and RNA isolated for quantification of pre-16s rRNA. Uterine tissue was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Although amox-treatment reduced vaginal shedding by >99%, C. muridarum pre-16s rRNA accumulation was unchanged by treatment. These data indicate that the amox-exposed organisms were viable but not infectious. Furthermore, TEM analyses demonstrated that inclusions in amox-treated animals contained primarily large, aberrant RB, but those observed in untreated control animals were normal. Collectively, these data suggest that amoxicillin treatment induces C. muridarum to enter the persistent state in vivo. This model also represents the first experimentally tractable animal model of chlamydial persistence.     

Downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 by melatonin during prevention of alcohol-induced liver injury in mice

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in inflammatory and degradative processes in several diseases. The study aims to explore the mechanism of MMP-9 regulation in alcohol-induced acute liver injury and its protection by melatonin in mice. Alcohol-induced acute liver injury was induced in female Balb/C mice by ethanol administration and protection studies were carried out with a well-known antioxidant molecule, melatonin. Degree of liver injury was monitored by histological and biochemical analysis of liver tissues. Oral administration of ethanol in mouse caused significant increase in alanine amino transferase (ALT) activity in serum. Depletion of glutathione and enhancement of lipid peroxidation as well as protein oxidation was observed in liver tissues following ethanol treatment. However, melatonin exhibited potent hepatoprotective activity by inhibiting ALT activity and oxidative stress. Additionally, MMP-9 expression was increased by ethanol in a dose and time dependent manner in liver tissue and serum. Increased secretion of proMMP-9 was strongly correlated with the expression of proinflammatory cytokines e.g., tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL6. Melatonin showed hepatoprotective role by downregulation of MMP-9 and upregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP-1) expression in liver tissue. Nuclear factor (NF)-κB, plays an important role in inducing inflammatory genes during oxidative stress, thus the role of NF-κB in ethanol-induced liver injury was investigated. Ethanol induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB and increased degradation of inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα) in liver tissues. Moreover, ethanol-induced NF-κB translocation into nucleus was inhibited significantly by melatonin. This is the first study to elucidate the induction of MMP-9 expression by NF-κB-dependent pathway in ethanol-induced acute liver injury in mice. This study also identifies the novel role of melatonin in hepatoprotection via MMP-9 down regulation.     

Statins for the prevention of vein graft stenosis: a role for inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9

Saphenous vein (SV) grafts are commonly used to bypass coronary arteries that are diseased due to atherosclerosis. However, the development of intimal hyperplasia in such grafts can lead to patency-threatening stenosis and re-occlusion of the vessel. The proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells (SMC) play key roles in the development of intimal hyperplasia, and an agent that inhibits both of these processes therefore has therapeutic potential. A prerequisite for SMC proliferation and migration in vivo is degradation of the basement membrane, achieved by secretion of the matrix-degrading gelatinases matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9. Statins are cholesterol-lowering drugs that also have direct effects on SMC function. Here we report that neointima formation in organ-cultured human SV segments is inhibited by simvastatin, an effect that is associated with reduced MMP-9 activity. Additionally, our work shows that simvastatin not only inhibits proliferation, but importantly also inhibits invasion (migration through a matrix barrier), of cultured human SV SMC. Thus simvastatin treatment appears to inhibit neointima formation as a result of combined inhibition of SMC proliferation and invasion. The potential intracellular mechanisms by which statins affect SMC proliferation and migration, and thus attenuate intimal hyperplasia, are discussed, with particular emphasis on the role of MMP-9.