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At least 361 records · Page 20Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Dynamic in vivo changes in tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 and 2, and matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, during prostaglandin F(2alpha)-induced luteolysis in sheep.

Prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) typically initiates a cascade of events that leads to the functional and structural demise of the corpus luteum. A sheep model was used in which a 1-h, systemic infusion of PGF(2alpha) (20 microg/min) is given at midcycle. Such an infusion mimics the onset of spontaneous luteolysis by causing a transient decrease in peripheral plasma progesterone, which reaches a nadir ( approximately 60% of controls) at 8 h but returns to control levels by 16-24 h. We investigated whether PGF(2alpha) also influenced the endogenous protein levels of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, and matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-2 and MMP-9, all of which have been implicated in remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Corpora lutea (Day 11) were collected at 0 h and at 1, 8, 16, and 24 h post-PGF(2alpha) infusion (n = 3 sheep at each time). Immunoblot analysis revealed an immediate and precipitous decline in TIMP-1 (30 kDa) and TIMP-2 (19 kDa) protein levels (60% and 90%, respectively; P < 0.05) at the 1-h time point and remained depressed at 8 h (P < 0.05). Gelatin zymography and other procedures identified three MMPs (85, 70, and 64 kDa), which were shown to be the latent form of MMP-9 and the active and latent forms of MMP-2, respectively. In contrast to the rapid decrease in TIMP-1 and -2 levels, an increase in MMP-2 activity (165% of controls, P < 0.05) occurred at 8 h, which corresponded to the nadir in plasma progesterone. These early changes in TIMPs and MMPs indicate that alterations in the structure of the ECM by PGF(2alpha) may play a hitherto unsuspected role in the subsequent process of functional luteolysis.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

A newly identified single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter of the matrix metalloproteinase-1 gene.

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) is a member of the matrix metalloproteinase enzyme family that degrades components of the extracellular matrix. Recent studies have demonstrated several polymorphic sites in the promoter of the MMP-1 gene. A newly identified single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position -519 in the promoter region of the MMP-1 gene is reported. This polymorphism consists in a guanine to adenine substitution. A linkage between polymorphisms -519A/G and -1607 1G/2G was also studied.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Induction of secreted matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity in human melanoma cells by extracellular matrix proteins and cytokines.

Degradation of matrix proteins that constitute the dermal-epidermal junction and dermis by proteolytic enzymes is an essential step of melanoma invasion and metastasis, and this is primarily achieved by the matrix metalloproteinases. In this report, using zymography, we compared the basal secretion levels of active matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 to levels in response to various extracellular matrix proteins, cytokines, and growth factors in normal human melanocyte cells and melanoma cell lines from different stages of neoplastic progression. Basal matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity was only detected in vertical growth phase and metastatic melanoma cell lines, suggesting that matrix metalloproteinase-9 is a candidate biomarker for identifying vertical growth phase and metastatic melanomas. Most melanoma cell lines and cultured normal melanocytes produced high levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2. In addition, both tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta are strong inducers of active matrix metalloproteinase-9 in vertical growth phase melanoma cell lines, indicating a possible role of these cytokines in the switch from radial growth phase to vertical growth phase. We propose that these proinflammatory cytokines promote melanoma invasion in part through upregulating matrix metalloproteinase-9. Both these cytokines are released from keratinocytes in the epidermis by ultraviolet radiation. Thus, our study suggests that the microenvironment of melanoma cells is an important feature in melanoma progression, and ultraviolet-radiation-induced cytokines might promote the progression of melanoma through the release or activation of matrix metalloproteinases.

Cell Line, Tumor↗
PubMed1998

Plasma membrane-bound tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-2 specifically inhibits matrix metalloproteinase 2 (gelatinase A) activated on the cell surface.

The cell-surface activation of pro-matrix metalloproteinase 2 (pro-MMP-2) is considered to be critical for cell migration and invasion. Treatment of human uterine cervical fibroblasts with concanavalin A activates pro-MMP-2 on the cell surface by converting it to the 65-kDa form with a minor form of 45 kDa. However, the 65-kDa MMP-2 was inactivated by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-2 that was bound to the plasma membrane upon concanavalin A treatment. TIMP-2 binds to the plasma membrane through its N-terminal domain by two different modes of interaction as follows: one is sensitive to a hydroxamate (HXM) inhibitor of MMPs and the other is HXM-insensitive. TIMP-2 bound to the membrane in a HXM-insensitive manner, comprising about 40-50% of TIMP-2 on the membrane, is the inhibitor of the cell surface-activated MMP-2. It, however, does not inhibit MMP-3, MMP-9, and the 45-kDa MMP-2 lacking the C-terminal domain. The inhibition of the 65-kDa MMP-2 by TIMP-2 is initiated by the interaction of their C-terminal domains. Subsequently, the MMP-2.TIMP-2 complex is released from the membrane, and the activity of MMP-2 is blocked by TIMP-2. In the presence of collagen types I, II, III, V, or gelatin, the rate of inhibition of the 65-kDa MMP-2 by the membrane-bound TIMP-2 decreased considerably. These results suggest that the pericellular activity of MMP-2 is tightly regulated by membrane-bound TIMP-2 and surrounding extracellular matrix components.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Reduced intragraft mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases Mmp3, Mmp12, Mmp13 and Adam8, and diminished transplant arteriosclerosis in Ccr5-deficient mice.

Experimental and human organ transplant studies suggest an important role for chemokine (C-C-motif) receptor-5 (CCR5) in the development of acute and chronic allograft rejection. Because early transplant damage can predispose allografts to chronic dysfunction, we sought to identify potential pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to allograft damage by using wild-type and Ccr5-deficient mice as recipients of fully MHC-mismatched heart and carotid-artery allografts. Gene expression in rejecting heart allografts was analyzed 2 and 6 days after transplantation using Affymetrix GeneChips. Microarray analysis led to identification of four metalloproteinase genes [matrix metalloproteinase (Mmp)3, Mmp12, Mmp13 and a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain (Adam)8] with significantly diminished intragraft mRNA expression in Ccr5-deficient mice at day 6. Accordingly, allografts from Ccr5-deficient mice showed less tissue remodeling and hence better preservation of the myocardial architecture compared with allografts from wild-type recipients. Moreover, survival of cardiac allografts was significantly increased in Ccr5-deficient mice. Carotid artery allografts from Ccr5-deficient recipients showed better tissue preservation, and significant reduction of neointima formation and CD3+ T cell infiltration. Ccr5 appears to play an important role in transplant-associated arteriosclerosis that may involve metalloproteinase-mediated vessel wall remodeling. We conclude that early tissue remodeling may be a critical feature in the predisposition of allografts to the development of chronic dysfunction.

ADAM Proteins↗
PubMed2006

Serum activity of matrix metalloproteinases -2 and -9.

Matrix metalloproteinases belong to the key effectors of tissue remodeling in health and disease. Matrix metalloproteinases -2 and -9, the most prevalent representatives of this family, are expressed in the endometrium. Chronic endometritis concomitant with sterility and spontaneous abortions is associated with decreased content of matrix metalloproteinases in the endometrium. Chronic endometritis combined with sterility correlates with decreased serum activities of matrix metalloproteinases -2 and -9, which returns to normal after recovery. Measurements of serum activities of matrix metalloproteinases -2 and -9 are proposed for monitoring of the dynamics and treatment efficiency in chronic endometritis.

Abortion, Habitual↗
PubMed2005

Reactive site mutations in tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 disrupt inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases but not tumor necrosis factor-alpha-converting enzyme.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) is a dual inhibitor of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and some adamalysins, two families of extracellular and cell surface metalloproteinases that function in extracellular matrix turnover and the shedding of cell surface proteins. The mechanism of inhibition of MMPs by TIMPs has been well characterized, and since the catalytic domains of MMPs and adamalysins are homologous, it was assumed that the interaction of TIMP-3 with adamalysins is closely similar. Here we report that the inhibition of the extracellular region of ADAM-17 (tumor necrosis factor alpha-converting enzyme (TACE)) by the inhibitory domain of TIMP-3 (N-TIMP-3) shows positive cooperativity. Also, mutations in the core of the MMP interaction surface of N-TIMP-3 dramatically reduce the binding affinity for MMPs but have little effect on the inhibitory activity for TACE. These results suggest that the mechanism of inhibition of ADAM-17 by TIMP-3 may be distinct from that for MMPs. The mutant proteins are also effective inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) release from phorbol ester-stimulated cells, indicating that they provide a lead for engineering TACE-specific inhibitors that may reduce side effects arising from MMP inhibition and are possibly useful for treatment of diseases associated with excessive TNF-alpha levels such as rheumatoid arthritis.

ADAM Proteins↗
PubMed2003

Function blocking autoantibodies against matrix metalloproteinase-1 in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis is characterized by fibrosis and systemic autoimmunity; however, roles of autoantibodies in the development of fibrosis remain unknown in systemic sclerosis. The net accumulation of extracellular matrix is dependent on the balance between the synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix components, the latter process regulated by matrix metalloproteinases. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (interstitial collagenase-1) can initiate degradation of collagen types I-III that are major extracellular matrix constituents in affected skin of systemic sclerosis. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that systemic autoimmunity in systemic sclerosis induced anti-matrix metalloproteinase-1 autoantibodies that inhibited matrix metallo-proteinase-1 activity, resulting in collagen accumulation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using human recombinant matrix metalloproteinase-1 revealed that IgG anti-matrix metalloproteinase-1 autoantibody levels were significantly elevated in sera from patients with systemic sclerosis, but not patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus or dermatomyositis, relative to normal controls. IgG anti-matrix metalloproteinase-1 autoantibody levels were significantly higher in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis than those found in patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Furthermore, IgG anti-matrix metalloproteinase-1 antibody levels significantly correlated with the extent of fibrosis in the skin, lung, and renal blood vessels. The presence of IgG anti-matrix metalloproteinase-1 autoantibody in sera from systemic sclerosis patients was confirmed by immunoblotting analysis. Remarkably, IgG anti-matrix metalloproteinase-1 autoantibody in sera from systemic sclerosis patients inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-1 collagenase activity. Collectively, the results of this study suggest that anti-matrix metalloproteinase-1 autoantibody contributes to the development of fibrosis by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-1 collagenase activity and reducing the extracellular matrix turnover and suggest that the presence of anti-matrix metalloproteinase-1 autoantibody in systemic sclerosis is the link between systemic autoimmunity and fibrosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A novel hydra matrix metalloproteinase (HMMP) functions in extracellular matrix degradation, morphogenesis and the maintenance of differentiated cells in the foot process.

As a member of Cnidaria, the body wall of hydra is structurally reduced to an epithelial bilayer with an intervening extracellular matrix (ECM). Biochemical and cloning studies have shown that the molecular composition of hydra ECM is similar to that seen in vertebrates and functional studies have demonstrated that cell-ECM interactions are important to developmental processes in hydra. Because vertebrate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been shown to have an important role in cell-ECM interactions, the current study was designed to determine whether hydra has homologues of these proteinases and, if so, what function these enzymes have in morphogenesis and cell differentiation in this simple metazoan. Utilizing a PCR approach, a single hydra matrix metalloproteinase, named HMMP was identified and cloned. The structure of HMMP was similar to that of vertebrate MMPs with an overall identity of about 35%. Detailed structural analysis indicated some unique features in (1) the cysteine-switch region of the prodomain, (2) the hinge region preceding the hemopexin domain, and (3) the hemopexin domain. Using a bacterial system, HMMP protein was expressed and folded to obtain an active enzyme. Substrate analysis studies indicated that recombinant HMMP could digest a number of hydra ECM components such as hydra laminin. Using a fluorogenic MMP substrate assay, it was determined that HMMP was inhibited by peptidyl hydroxamate MMP inhibitors, GM6001 and matlistatin, and by human recombinant TIMP-1. Whole-mount in situ studies indicated that HMMP mRNA was expressed in the endoderm along the entire longitudinal axis of hydra, but at relatively high levels at regions where cell-transdifferentiation occurred (apical and basal poles). Functional studies using GM6001 and TIMP-1 indicated that these MMP inhibitors could reversibly block foot regeneration. Blockage of foot regeneration was also observed using antisense thio-oligo nucleotides to HMMP introduced into the endoderm of the basal pole using a localized electroporation technique. Studies with adult intact hydra found that GM6001 could also cause the reversible de-differentiation or inhibition of transdifferentiation of basal disk cells of the foot process. Basal disk cells are adjacent to those endoderm cells of the foot process that express high levels of HMMP mRNA. In summary, these studies indicate that hydra has at least one MMP that is functionally tied to morphogenesis and cell transdifferentiation in this simple metazoan.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Matrix metalloproteinase degradation of extracellular matrix: biological consequences.

Targeted mutagenesis has allowed investigators to perform controlled experiments in mammals and determine the contribution of individual proteins to physiologic and pathologic processes. Recent lessons learned from matrix metalloproteinase gene targeted mice and other in vivo observations have given new life to old concepts regarding the role of proteolytic fragments of extracellular matrix proteins in regulating a variety of critical processes in cell biology.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗
PubMed1996

Degradation of T-kininogen by cathepsin D and matrix metalloproteinases.

Cathepsin D, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-3 (stromelysin), and MMP-9 were isolated from rat granulomatous tissues. HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells and rheumatoid synovial cell CM. At acidic conditions, cathepsin D cleaved T-kininogen into small peptides and released Met-T-kinin-Leu (kinin precursor), but failed to release kinin. MMP-3 cleaved T-kininogen into a 57 kDa fragment as measured by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis using anti-T-kininogen antiserum. On the other hand, no degradation of T-kininogen occurred during incubation with MMP-2 or MMP-9100/1) at pH 7.5 for 7 h.

Cathepsin D↗
PubMed2002

Elevated rate of collagen solubilization and postmortem degradation in muscles of lambs with high growth rates: possible relationship with activity of matrix metalloproteinases.

The extracellular matrix, composed mainly of collagen, is considered responsible for the residual toughness of meat. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) responsible for the degradation of connective tissue are found in most tissues, but their participation in meat aging has not been tested. We recently showed that skeletal muscle has multiple MMP activities, as well as regulators and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases. Here we present the first observations of physiologic and postmortem variation of MMP activities in muscle. Growing lambs were offered two levels of intake: hay + concentrate for lambs with high growth rate (average daily gain > 250 g) and hay only for those with low growth rate (average daily gain < 25 g). At slaughter and at 21 d of postmortem aging of longissimus and semimembranosus muscles, we studied collagen content, collagen solubility, free hydroxyproline (OH-pro), and levels of latent and active forms of a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2) by gelatin zymography. Our results demonstrate the presence of an active isoform of MMP-2 in lamb muscle. Its level was higher (+90%, P < 0.01) in lambs that expressed a high growth rate. Activity of MMP-2 was also present at 21 d postmortem, at levels similar to those detected at slaughter. At slaughter and at 21 d, all muscles contained latent MMP-2 and the quantity of proenzyme was greater than that present in the activated form. The levels of free OH-pro in muscles of lambs with high growth rate increased significantly (P < 0.001) over 21 d from 3.75 to 5.08% of total collagen, and this was significantly related to the level of active MMP-2 at slaughter. By contrast, the amount of free OH-pro in muscles of lambs with low growth rate was not different at 21 d (1.63% of total OH-pro) than it had been at slaughter (1.84% of total OH-pro). These results suggest that collagen degradation all the way to free amino acids occurs postmortem in muscle and that there are active MMP simultaneously present that may account for this catabolism. The growth rate of animals at slaughter influences collagen turnover in vivo, as well as postmortem collagen degradation.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Matrix metalloproteinases mediate the metastatic phenotype of Theileria annulata-transformed cells.

Theileria annulata infects and reversibly transforms bovine leucocytes. The parasite-transformed cells are immortalized, metastatic and express a number of metalloproteinases including matrix metalloproteinase 9 which they secrete. All the metalloproteinases observed on substrate gels are inhibited by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and 4 synthetic inhibitors BB94, GM6001, BRL29808AI and Ro31-4724. We have adapted an in vitro assay for metastatic behaviour that measures the ability of parasitized cells to cross reconstituted basement membrane, Matrigel. Using this we demonstrated that macroschizont-infected cells are invasive in vitro and that their invasive properties can be almost eliminated by the same specific inhibitors of metalloproteinases as used in the substrate gels. This demonstrates that the metastatic behaviour of the infected cells is due in part to metalloproteinase activity and strongly suggests a role for the metalloproteinases we observed on gels. This is further supported by the fact that an attenuated vaccine line which shows much reduced metalloproteinase activity also exhibits a marked reduction in metastatic behaviour. We suggest that these metalloproteinases are virulence factors mediating some pathological features of the disease and their loss in the vaccine line could provide an explanation for attenuation.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Matrix metalloproteinase disruption of the extracellular matrix and cardiac dysfunction.

In the heart, collagens are the major extracellular matrix (ECM) protein. The fibrillar collagens of the heart surround and interconnect myocytes and muscle fibers to provide for muscle fiber and myocyte alignment which imparts mechanical support to the myocardium and governs tissue stiffness. Loss of collagen fibrils and struts are said to lead to myocyte slippage, ventricular dilation, and progressive contractile dysfunction. Failed human hearts examined either at autopsy or explantation invariably exhibit alterations of the ECM primarily due to changes in collagen. Modulation of the balance between matrix synthesis and degradation is important in the process of ventricular remodeling and in the pathophysiology of chronic heart failure. Support for the importance of the ECM and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in the development of chronic heart failure has been demonstrated both in animal models of heart disease and in humans. A causative role for the ECM in this process was recently revealed in experiments using a transgenic mouse model that expresses the specific collagen-degrading enzyme, MMP-1, in the heart. These studies demonstrated that chronic expression of MMP-1 leads to dynamic changes in the heart and ultimately results in systolic dysfunction. Multiple studies in animal models have also shown that inhibition of MMP activity in animal models of heart failure have attenuated the onset of left ventricular dilatation. Future studies will determine whether inhibition of MMP activity improves morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in loose artificial hip joints.

The role of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase enzymes and the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase in the periprostetic connective tissue matrix of loose artificial hip joints is reviewed. In the periprosthetic granulomatous interface connective tissues between bone and implants and inner cellular regenerating pseudocapsular tissues, matrix metalloproteinase 1, matrix metalloproteinase 2, matrix metalloproteinase 3, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase enzymes can be shown in the light of immunohistochemistry, enzyme activity analysis, and messenger ribonucleic acid levels. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 1 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 2 also are found in the corresponding tissues. Analysis of matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase interaction shows imbalance between the enzymes and the endogenous inhibitors in favor of matrix metalloproteinase. This induces pathologic connective tissue remodeling in the interface and pseudocapsule. The data suggest that matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase system participate in the extracellular matrix degradation and tissue remodeling in artificial hip joints, and may contribute to the periprosthetic weakening, implant loosening, and osteolysis around implants. More evidence for their active involvement is sought by intervention studies with type specific matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Furin-like proprotein convertases are central regulators of the membrane type matrix metalloproteinase-pro-matrix metalloproteinase-2 proteolytic cascade in atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Accumulation of macrophages and their in situ expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important determinants of plaque stability. Activation of membrane-bound MT1-MMP, the major activator of pro-MMP-2, requires intracellular endoproteolytic cleavage of its precursor protein. This type of activation typically requires suitable furin-like proprotein convertases (PCs), specifically furin and PC5. The present study was done to investigate the function of MT1-MMP as well as furin-like PCs in mononuclear inflammatory cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: Macrophage differentiation of human monocytic THP-1 cells was accompanied by increased expression of furin, PC5, and MT1-MMP. Some pro-MMP-2 activation was found in macrophages, but pro-MMP-2 level or activation was not enhanced after stimulation with the proinflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-alpha or lipopolysaccharide. However, culturing of macrophages in conditioned medium from serum-starved vascular smooth muscle cells, which constitutively secrete pro-MMP-2, resulted in a strong pro-MMP-2 activation. Inhibition of furin-like PCs with the specific pharmacological inhibitor decanoyl-RVKR-chloromethylketone (dec-CMK) inhibited MT1-MMP activation in macrophages. Dec-CMK or furin-specific small interfering RNA significantly inhibited macrophage MT1-MMP-dependent activation of vascular smooth muscle cell-derived pro-MMP-2. Flow cytometry demonstrated that human circulating monocytes express furin and PC5, and MT1-MMP and immunohistochemistry revealed their colocalization in macrophages in advanced human atherosclerotic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Furin-like PCs (furin and PC5) play a central role in a MT-MMP-MMP-2 proteolytic cascade, involving provision of macrophage MT1-MMP for the activation of pro-MMP-2 synthesized by other cells. Furin and PC5 are expressed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and colocalize with MT1-MMP in macrophages in the atherosclerotic plaque, supporting the hypothesis that they are potential targets in atherosclerosis.

Arteriosclerosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Matrix metalloproteinases in neoplasm-induced extracellular matrix remodeling in breast carcinomas.

Structural changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) are necessary for cell migration during normal and pathologic tissue remodeling and neoplastic cell invasion. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors have been identified to be critical modulators of ECM composition and are thus, crucial in neoplastic cell progression, invasion and metastasis. Expression of MMP-2, -3, -9, -10, and -13 was investigated in human breast carcinomas (BCs) employing an indirect, biotin-streptavidin based, alkaline phosphatase conjugated immunocytochemical technique. Evaluation of the results was based on (a) the percent of neoplastically transformed cells/surrounding stroma that reacted positively and (b) a measure of staining intensity [graded from A (highest) to D (negative)]. The two forms of stromelysin, MMP-3 and -10, share 82% sequence homology, but exhibit differences in cellular synthesis and inducibility by cytokines and growth factors in vitro. Strong overall expression of MMP-3 and -10 was found in BCs, especially in the ECM adjacent to blood vessels. Positive immunoreactivity could be seen for these two MMPs in the ECM surrounding over 90% of the neoplastically transformed cells (++++), and the staining intensity was also the strongest possible (A). High intensity immunoreactivity (A,B) but focal was detected employing a MoAB targeted against the MMP-9 enzyme. No presence of MMP-2 or -13 could be established in the BC cases observed by us. Based on these results we propose that MMP-3 and -10 are implicated in the pathogenesis of BC, while MMP-9 is possibly involved in neo-angiogenic events also closely associated with growth and expansion of the neoplastically transformed cell mass, as well as metastasis of individual, extremely aggressive, expressing dedifferentiated cellular immunophenotype (IP) cell clones selected during the microevolution of the BC.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗