Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Matrix Metalloproteinases”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 685 records · Page 38Linked to original sources

A role for matrix metalloproteinase-9 in spontaneous rupture of the fetal membranes.

OBJECTIVES: Preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes is responsible for 30% to 40% of preterm deliveries. Fetal membranes are composed primarily of collagen. Matrix metalloproteinases are enzymes capable of degrading extracellular matrix macromolecules, including collagens. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (gelatinase B, 92 kd) and its tissue inhibitor (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1) has been localized in amnion and chorion. The objective of this study was to determine whether rupture of fetal membranes and intrauterine infection are associated with changes in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1. STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred one women in the following categories had amniotic fluid retrieved: (1) preterm labor and intact membranes in the presence (n = 42) or absence (n = 21) of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, (2) preterm premature rupture of the membranes with (n = 29) or without (n = 23) microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, and (3) term gestation with intact membranes (n = 50) or with premature rupture of the membranes (n = 40). Women in groups 1 and 2 were matched for gestational age at amniocentesis. Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity was defined by a positive amniotic fluid culture for micro-organisms. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 were measured with use of sensitive and specific immunoassays that were validated for amniotic fluid. RESULTS: Spontaneous rupture of membranes at term is associated with a significant increase in the amniotic fluid concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (premature rupture of membranes, no labor: median 3.9 ng/mL, range 2. 7 to 11.1 ng/mL vs no premature rupture of membranes, no labor: median <0.4 ng/mL, range <0.4 to 22.4 ng/mL; P <.001). Patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes had higher median matrix metalloproteinase-9 concentrations than those with preterm labor and intact membranes who were delivered at term (7.6 ng/mL, range <0.4 to 230.81 ng/mL vs <0.4 ng/mL, range <0.4 to 1650 ng/mL; P =.06). Women with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity had higher median matrix metalloproteinase-9 concentrations than did those without microbial invasion regardless of membrane status (preterm labor: 54.5 ng/mL, range <0.4 to 3910 ng/mL vs <0.4 ng/mL, range <0. 4 to 1650 ng/mL; P <.01; preterm premature rupture of membranes: 179. 8 ng/mL, range <0.4 to 611 ng/mL vs 7.6 ng/mL, range <0.4 to 230.81; P <.001). CONCLUSION: Our data support a role for matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the mechanisms responsible for membrane rupture in term and preterm gestations.

Amnion↗

Kinetic analysis of matrix metalloproteinase activity using fluorogenic triple-helical substrates.

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family members are involved in the physiological remodeling of tissues and embryonic development as well as pathological destruction of extracellular matrix components. To study the mechanisms of MMP action on collagenous substrates, we have constructed homotrimeric, fluorogenic triple-helical peptide (THP) models of the MMP-1 cleavage site in type II collagen. The substrates were designed to incorporate the fluorophore/quencher pair of (7-methoxycoumarin-4-yl)acetyl (Mca) and N-2,4-dinitrophenyl (Dnp) in the P(5) and P(5)' positions, respectively. In addition, Arg was incorporated in the P(2)' and P(8)' positions to enhance enzyme activity and improve substrate solubility. The desired sequences were Gly-Pro-Lys(Mca)-Gly-Pro-Gln-Gly approximately Leu-Arg-Gly-Gln-Lys(Dnp)-Gly-Ile/Val-Arg. Two fluorogenic substrates were prepared, one using a covalent branching protocol (fTHP-1) and one using a peptide self-assembly approach (fTHP-3). An analogous single-stranded substrate (fSSP-3) was also synthesized. Both THPs were hydrolyzed by MMP-1 at the Gly approximately Leu bond, analogous to the bond cleaved in the native collagen. The individual kinetic parameters for MMP-1 hydrolysis of fTHP-3 were k(cat) = 0.080 s(-1) and K(M) = 61.2 microM. Subsequent investigations showed fTHP-3 hydrolysis by MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-13, a C-terminal domain-deleted MMP-1 [MMP-1(Delta(243-450))], and a C-terminal domain-deleted MMP-3 [MMP-3(Delta(248-460))]. The order of k(cat)/K(M) values was MMP-13 > MMP-1 approximately MMP-1(Delta(243-450)) approximately MMP-2 >> MMP-3 approximately MMP-3(Delta(248-460)). Studies on the effect of temperature on fTHP-3 and fSSP-3 hydrolysis by MMP-1 showed that the activation energies between these two substrates differed by 3.4-fold, similar to the difference in activation energies for MMP-1 hydrolysis of type I collagen and gelatin. This indicates that fluorogenic triple-helical substrates mimic the behavior of the native collagen substrate and may be useful for the investigation of collagenase triple-helical activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and inhibitor by human trabecular meshwork.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover and remodeling are initiated, at least in part, by the regulated secretion of members of a family of matrix metalloproteinases. Human and bovine trabecular mesh-work in culture secrete interstitial collagenase, both the 72- and the 92-kD forms of type IV collagenase (gelatinases) and stromelysin, and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP). These proteinases and TIMP were identified by immunoblotting western transfers from sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) using several specific antiprotein and antipeptide polyclonal antibodies. Gelatinase and stromelysin enzymatic activities were also analyzed by substrate SDS-PAGE, in which proteinase substrates were polymerized into the gels before electrophoresis to allow subsequent activity assays. These matrix metalloproteinases and TIMP are secreted at low basal levels into trabecular culture medium; their secretion levels are increased several-fold by treatment of the cultures with the phorbol mitogen. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Characteristics of the trabecular matrix metalloproteinases and TIMP are similar to those secreted by numerous other tissues, including the retinal pigment epithelium. These proteinases may serve an important role in the maintenance and regulation of the trabecular extracellular matrix and, subsequently, of the aqueous humor outflow pathway in normal and glaucomatous eyes.

Animals↗

Matrix metalloproteinases in human melanoma.

Cutaneous melanoma is a highly invasive and metastatic tumor. Degradation of basement membranes and extracellular matrix is an essential step in melanoma cell migration, invasion, and metastasis formation. Matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors play a crucial role in these complex multistep processes. Melanoma cells may express a number of matrix metalloproteinase family members (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, and MT1-MMP) as well as their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and TIMP-3). Numerous studies have examined matrix metalloproteinases, their tissue inhibitors, and the molecules that regulate their expression and/or activation in melanoma cell lines in vitro and in vivo, and in human melanocytic lesions. Recent results have indicated that adhesion molecules such as CD44 and integrin alphavbeta3 are involved in positioning activated matrix metalloproteinase molecules on the cell surface of invasive tumor cells. In this review we evaluate these novel aspects of the role of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in melanoma progression. We conclude that the balance between levels of activated matrix metalloproteinases and expression levels of their tissue inhibitors, and the coexpression of activated matrix metalloproteinases and adhesion molecules are important factors in determining melanoma cell invasion, tumor growth, and metastasis formation.

Animals↗

Matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and tumour necrosis factor alpha release during cardiopulmonary bypass.

An inflammatory response occurs during cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 is an enzyme involved in cytokine processing and leucocyte extravasation. It is secreted as a pro-enzyme in response to several inflammatory mediators and is inhibited by endogenous tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1. The interaction between matrix metalloproteinase-9 and its inhibitor during cardiopulmonary bypass is not known. We measured tumour necrosis factor alpha, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and its inhibitor using enzyme immunoassay at three time points in 20 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass. Tumour necrosis factor and matrix metalloproteinase concentrations increased in all patients during bypass (both p < 0.0001), whereas the inhibitor in contrast, decreased (p < 0.0001). We conclude that matrix metalloproteinase-9 is released as part of the inflammatory response during cardiac surgery. Levels of the endogenous inhibitor of metalloproteinase, however, show a different pattern of release, suggesting independent regulation.

Aged↗

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (veno-occlusive disease) in the rat is prevented by matrix metalloproteinase inhibition.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The mechanical origins of the obstruction in sinusoidal obstruction syndrome are initiated by dehiscence of sinusoidal endothelial cells from the space of Disse. The biochemical changes that permit the dehiscence of the sinusoidal endothelial cells were investigated. METHODS: In vitro and in vivo studies examined changes induced by monocrotaline, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid that induces sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in both humans and experimental animals. RESULTS: In the monocrotaline-induced rat model of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, there was an early increase of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and a later, lower-magnitude increase of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in the liver. In vitro studies of sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatocytes, stellate cells, and Kupffer cells showed that sinusoidal endothelial cells are the major source of both basal and monocrotaline-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9/matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity. Monocrotaline caused depolymerization of F-actin in sinusoidal endothelial cells, and blocking of F-actin depolymerization prevented the increase in matrix metalloproteinase activity. Administration of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors prevented the signs and histological changes associated with sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Monocrotaline causes depolymerization of F-actin in sinusoidal endothelial cells, which leads to increased expression of metalloproteinase-9 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 by sinusoidal endothelial cells. Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 prevents the development of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, establishing that matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors may be a therapeutically viable strategy for prevention.

Actins↗

Wound fluids from saline solution- and Staphylococcus aureus peptidoglycan-inoculated sponges induce expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 messenger ribonucleic acid by cultured rat fibroblasts.

Polyvinyl alcohol sponges inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus peptidoglycan induce an accelerated wound healing response when implanted subcutaneously in rats. S. aureus peptidoglycan leads to a marked increase (50%) in reparative tissue collagen (as measured by hydroxyproline) by 4 days. However, this effect drops by 7 days and by 14 days; hydroxyproline levels are similar in sponges inoculated with S. aureus peptidoglycan or saline solution. These data suggest a very active early remodeling process in S. aureus peptidoglycan sponge reparative tissue. Consistent with this observation, we had found that steady-state levels of matrix metalloproteinase-13 mRNA were higher and persisted longer in S. aureus peptidoglycan sponge reparative tissue than in controls. We hypothesized that S. aureus peptidoglycan might induce a change in reparative tissue fibroblast phenotype or modify the character of the wound fluid. Fibroblasts obtained from saline solution- and S. aureus peptidoglycan-inoculated sponges 4 days after subcutaneous implantation and cultured in Eagle's minimal essential medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum were similar with respect to morphologic features, proliferation, and expression of pro alpha1 (I) and alpha1 (III) collagens and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 mRNA by Northern blot analysis. Neither cell type expressed matrix metalloproteinase-13 mRNA. No changes in the above parameters were detected when such fibroblasts were cultured for 24 hours in the presence of 0.5 mg of S. aureus peptidoglycan per 10 ml of medium or with fluid obtained from control sponges cultured for 12 hours with phosphate-buffered saline solution. Wound fluids extracted with Eagle's minimal essential medium by homogenization of saline solution- and S. aureus peptidoglycan-inoculated sponges implanted subcutaneously for 12 hours did not affect the proliferation of the fibroblasts. However, the extracts had a profound effect on the cellular expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, matrix metalloproteinase-13, and pro alpha1 (I) collagen mRNA. Specifically, expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 mRNA was induced, expression of pro alpha1 (I) collagen mRNA was reduced by 70%, and expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 mRNA was increased by 150%. These changes were the same irrespective of whether the wound fluid was obtained from saline solution- or S. aureus peptidoglycan-inoculated sponges. Fluid obtained from S. aureus peptidoglycan-inoculated sponges, which contain a greater inflammatory exudate than saline solution-inoculated sponges do, is enriched in matrix metalloproteinase-13 mRNA-inducing activity. The nature of the factor(s) that induces matrix metalloproteinase-13 mRNA expression is not known. However, preliminary data suggest that the matrix metalloproteinase-13-inducing factor(s) is heterogeneous with regard to size and is temperature sensitive and trypsin resistant.

Journal Article↗

Use of a fluorogenic septapeptide matrix metalloproteinase assay to assess responses to periodontal treatment.

BACKGROUND: Quantification of gingival crevicular fluid matrix metalloproteinase activity may provide improved assessment of periodontal disease status and response to treatment. A fluorogenic matrix metalloproteinase substrate assay (FSA) has been developed using a methoxycoumarin-containing septapeptide analog of the alpha2(I) collagen cleavage site. This substrate exhibits increased fluorescence following cleavage by many matrix metalloproteinases, and the enzyme activity can be readily estimated with a fluorimeter. Here we compared this assay with classical methods of periodontal assessment including bleeding on probing, crevicular fluid flow, and probing depth to assess its utility as an indicator of changes in periodontal status and treatment response. METHODS: Complete measurements of probing depth were obtained for Ramfjord teeth on subjects who had been previously treated for periodontitis. Subjects were subsequently divided into groups based on existing periodontal disease severity: gingivitis (n = 21), stable periodontitis (n = 41), and severe periodontitis (n = 50). Crevicular fluid volume, bleeding on probing, and FSA were measured at each Ramfjord tooth or substitute. After baseline measurements, subjects received subgingival scaling and prophylaxis; 3 months later, they were reassessed. RESULTS: FSA measurements were positively associated with severity of disease at baseline. After treatment there were substantial reductions of FSA in gingivitis (approximately 51%; P <0.01) and severe periodontitis (approximately 45%; P <0.001), but not in stable periodontitis (13%; P >0.2). All groups showed a positive association between FSA measurements and higher bleeding scores at individual sites. FSA measurements were also positively associated with crevicular fluid flow at baseline, but after treatment there was a approximately 67% decrease (P <0.01) in the highest crevicular fluid flow class. There were significant reductions of FSA at follow-up for sites with probing depths between 0 to 3 mm (23%; P <0.05) and 4 to 6 mm (31%; P <0.05). However, the largest reduction was for sites with probing depth between 7 to 9 mm (49%; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that monitoring patients by measurement of matrix metalloproteinase levels in gingival crevicular fluid with the quenched fluorescent substrate assay provides estimates of inflammatory status, periodontal destruction, and response to treatment, especially in more severe periodontitis lesions.

Adult↗

Matrix metalloproteinase and tissue inhibitor expression in atherosclerotic and nonatherosclerotic thoracic aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: The altered expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors influences the formation of atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysms. Their association with thoracic aneurysms is less clear. This study describes the expression of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in atherosclerotic and nonatherosclerotic thoracic aneurysms, and compares these with age-matched controls. METHODS: Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 activity were measured by antibody capture, and tissue inhibitor-1 and 2 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 24 patients with atherosclerotic aneurysms and in 63 patients with nonatherosclerotic aneurysms. Gene expression was assessed with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The results were compared with 17 controls. RESULTS: Data are in nanograms per milligram of protein. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity was greater in controls than in the atherosclerotic and nonatherosclerotic groups (80 +/- 67 vs 49 +/- 50 and 35 +/- 44, P = .002). Matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity was greater in the atherosclerotic group than in the nonatherosclerotic group and controls (11.7 +/- 15.7 vs 2.5 +/- 2.2 and 1.7 +/- 1.9, P = .001). Tissue inhibitor-1 and 2 levels were greater in controls than in either aneurysm group (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1: 376 +/- 192 vs 234 +/- 233 and 174 +/- 148, P = .003; tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2: 143 +/- 74 vs 14 +/- 13 and 27 +/- 43, P < .001). Atherosclerotic aneurysms expressed more matrix metalloproteinase mRNA than controls. CONCLUSIONS: The metalloproteinase/tissue inhibitor phenotype of atherosclerotic thoracic aneurysms is similar to that of abdominal aneurysms. The diminished expression of metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors in nonatherosclerotic thoracic aneurysms relative to aged controls may represent a loss of smooth muscle cells.

Aged↗

Effect of repeated infliximab therapy on serum matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are involved in the articular tissue destruction processes in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the effects of multiple infusions of infliximab, a chimeric anti-tumor necrosis factor-a (anti-TNF-a) antibody, on concentrations of serum MMP and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) in patients with active RA. METHODS: Patients with RA were scheduled to receive 9 infusions of infliximab (3 mg/kg) at Weeks 0, 2, 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter. The therapy was combined with methotrexate (MTX) (7.5-20 mg/week). Serum concentrations of interstitial collagenase (MMP-1), stromelysin-1 (MMP-3), gelatinase B (MMP-9), TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were measured by ELISA prior to infusion at Weeks 0, 2, 6, 14, 38, and 62. RESULTS: The initial infusion of infliximab downregulated serum levels of MMP-1 (p < 0.001), MMP-3 (p < 0.001), MMP-9 (p < 0.001), TIMP-1 (p < 0.01), and TIMP-2 (p < 0.05). The second drug administration caused even more remarkable reduction of measured MMP (p < 0.001 in all cases) but not of TIMP levels. These changes were accompanied by decreased ratios of measured MMP to TIMP. Further infliximab therapy also significantly suppressed serum MMP levels, but was less effective. Before the first infliximab infusion serum concentrations of MMP and TIMP correlated with markers of RA activity such as the Disease Activity Score and C-reactive protein levels. After further drug administrations such associations, although less significant, were also noted. CONCLUSION: Anti-TNF-a antibody therapy combined with MTX resulted in rapid clinical improvement and reduced serum MMP concentrations in patients with RA. Further infusions of infliximab maintained the decrease of MMP, although to a lesser extent than the first and second doses.

Adult↗

Inhibition of the activities of matrix metalloproteinases 2, 8, and 9 by chlorhexidine.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a host cell-derived proteolytic enzyme family which plays a major role in tissue-destructive inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of chlorhexidine (CHX) on MMP-2 (gelatinase A), MMP-9 (gelatinase B), and MMP-8 (collagenase 2) activity. Heat-denatured type I collagen (gelatin) was incubated with pure human MMP-2 or -9 activated with p-aminophenylmercuric acetate (APMA), and the proteolytic degradation of gelatin was monitored by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Coomassie blue staining. The effect of CHX on MMP-8 activity was also studied with a cellular model addressing the ability of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-triggered human peripheral blood neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes [PMNs]) to degrade native type I collagen. CHX inhibited the activities of both gelatinases (A and B), but MMP-2 appeared to be more sensitive than MMP-9. Adding calcium chloride to the assay mixtures almost completely prevented the inhibition of MMP-9 activity by CHX, while the inhibition of MMP-2 activity could be reversed only when CHX was used at a low concentration. This observation suggests that CHX may act via a cation-chelating mechanism. CHX dose-dependently inhibited collagenolytic activity of MMP-8 released by PMA-triggered PMNs. MMP-8 without APMA activation was inhibited clearly more efficiently than APMA-activated MMP-8. Our study suggests that the direct inhibition of the MMPs' activities by CHX may represent a new valuable effect of this antimicrobial agent and explains, at least in part, the beneficial effects of CHX in the treatment of periodontitis.

Chlorhexidine↗

Topical synthetic inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases delays epidermal regeneration of human wounds.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade extracellular proteins during epithelialization of wounds. To evaluate the biological significance of MMPs in epidermal healing, the synthetic broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor GM 6001 (also called Galardin and Ilomastat) was applied topically to standardized human wounds. GM 6001 (10 microg/microl) or vehicle alone was applied every second day onto 4 de-roofed 6 mm suction blister wounds on the volar forearm of healthy male volunteers for 12 days. GM 6001 delayed healing by 2-4 days as assessed macroscopically and microscopically. In situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry showed that MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase) was present in and MMP-2 (gelatinase A) close to laterally migrating keratinocytes whereas MMP-9 (gelatinase B) was seen during maturation of new epidermis. MMP-1 was undetectable in blister roofs (normal epidermis) and found in low levels in normal skin. Total MMP-1 activities increased about 100-fold in wounds, independent of treatment, compared to normal skin as analyzed by specific ELISA-based activity assay. By gelatin zymography, MMP-2, but not MMP-9, was detected in blister roofs and wound healing was associated with increased active MMP-2 and latent MMP-9 levels. GM 6001 prevented activation of MMP-2 and increased latent MMP-9 levels. GM 6001 delayed re-appearance of laminin-5, the synthesis of which correlated with epidermal regeneration. Restoration of stratum corneum, measured indirectly by transepidermal water loss, was also impaired (P<0.05) in the GM 6001 group. In conclusion, pharmacological MMP inhibition delayed epidermal regeneration in vivo, suggesting that MMPs are required to restore epidermis after epidermal ablation in humans.

Adult↗

Transplantation of amniotic membrane in murine herpes stromal keratitis modulates matrix metalloproteinases in the cornea.

PURPOSE: To study matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) in the corneas from mice with ulcerative herpes stromal keratitis (HSK) treated with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT). METHODS: The corneas from BALB/c mice were infected with HSV-1. Mice with ulcerative HSK on postinfection (PI) day 14 were used for the experiments. In one group of mice, the corneas were treated with transplantation of amniotic membrane (AMT) that was secured with a tarsorrhaphy, and a control group underwent tarsorrhaphy alone. After 2 days, the appearance of corneal ulcers and stromal inflammation was judged clinically. Corneal sections were studied by immunohistochemistry for the expression of MMP-2, -8, and -9 and TIMP-1 and -2. MMP activity in the corneas was investigated by zymography, and the expression of the enzymes was measured by the Western blot technique. RESULTS: At day 14 PI, the ulcers stained intensely positive for MMP-2, -8, and -9 and TIMP-1 and -2. Ulceration (P < 0.001), stromal inflammation (P < 0.01) and inflammatory cell infiltration (P < 0.001) markedly improved by day 2 after AMT. This was associated with reduced expression (P < 0.01) and activity of MMP-8, and -9 and increased localization of TIMP-1 (P < 0.01), whereas TIMP-2 was not affected. In contrast, high levels of expression of MMP-8 and -9 remained in the cornea after tarsorrhaphy, and the TIMP-1 expression was only slightly upregulated. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid improvement of HSV-1-induced ulcerative keratitis is noted after amniotic membrane transplantation. This may be caused by reduced expression and activity of MMP-8 and -9, increased expression of TIMP-1, and sustained expression of TIMP-2.

Amnion↗

Posttranscriptional stimulation of endothelial cell matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 1 by endothelioma cells.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a critical role in the development of hemangioma-like vascular tumors in mice injected with murine eEnd.1 endothelioma cells. The current study was designed to (a) characterize the presence of MMPs in the vascular tumor, (b) define whether these MMPs originate from the transformed cells or from the recruited stromal cells and (c) study the stimulatory effect of eEnd.1 cells on the production of MMPs by endothelial cells. Several gelatinases were present in the eEnd.1 tumor extract, including latent and activated MMP-2 (72-kDa gelatinase A, EC 3.4.24. 24) and MMP-9 (92-kDa gelatinase B, EC 3.4.24.35). Immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor revealed focal reactivity for MMP-2. No gelatinase was produced by cultured eEnd.1 cells, or by six of nine related endothelioma cell lines, suggesting that stroma cells, particularly endothelial cells recruited by the tumor cells, rather than eEnd.1 cells themselves, are the source of the gelatinases observed in the tumors in vivo. The conditioned medium of eEnd.1 cells stimulated the release of MMP-2 and MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase, EC 3.4.24.7) by endothelial cells, but not of the inhibitor TIMP-2. The increased production of MMP-2 and MMP-1, observed at the protein level (zymogram and Western blot analysis), occurred through a posttranscriptional mechanism, since no increase in mRNA was observed and the stimulation was not prevented by inhibitors of protein synthesis. The inhibitory effects of monensin and brefeldin A, inhibitors of protein secretion, and the decrease in cell-associated MMP-2 in stimulated endothelial cells indicated that regulation occurred mostly at the level of protease secretion. MMPs are known to be regulated at different levels; this study indicates that, in endothelial cells, the stimulation of MMPs can also occur at the level of secretion, a mechanism that provides a rapid mobilization of these crucial enzymes in the early phases of angiogenesis.

Animals↗

NMR structure of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 implicates localized induced fit in recognition of matrix metalloproteinases.

A high quality solution structure of the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitory N-terminal domain of recombinant human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (N-TIMP-1) has been determined. For the rigidly packed residues, the average RMSD to the mean structure is 0. 57 A for the backbone atoms and 1.00 A for all heavy atoms. Comparison of the solution structure of free N-TIMP-1 with the crystal structure of TIMP-1 bound to the catalytic domain of MMP-3 ( Gomis-R]uth et al., 1997 ) shows that the structural core of the beta barrel flanked by helices is nearly unchanged by the association with MMP-3, evident from a backbone RMSD of 1.15 A. However, clear differences in the conformation of the MMP-binding ridge of free and MMP-bound TIMP-1 suggest induced fit throughout the ridge. The MMP-dependent conformational changes in the ridge include a dramatic bending of AB loop residues Glu28 through Leu34, moderate hinge bending of the CD-loop about residues Ala65 and Cys70, and modest bending of the Cys1 through Pro6 segment. A large number of interresidue Nuclear Overhauser enhancements (NOEs) augmented by stereospecific assignments, torsion restraints, and dipolar couplings (an average of 18 non-trivial restraints per residue) engender confidence in these structural inferences. A tight cluster of three lysine residues and one arginine residue atop beta-strands A and B, and identical among TIMP sequences, form the heart of a highly conserved electropositive patch that may interact with anionic components of the extracellular matrix.

Catalytic Domain↗

Matrix metalloproteinases in early human liver development.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) regulate matrix deposition in tissues. Collagens I, III, and IV are involved in early human liver development. To establish whether MMPs specific for these collagens participate in early human liver development, we localized immunohistochemically MMP-1 and MMP-13 (for collagens I and III) and MMP-2 and MMP-7 (for collagen IV) in the early human liver anlage [6th-10th gestational week (GW)]. MMP-1 was found from the 6th GW onward in hepatocytes and later also in outer limiting plate hepatocytes, early bile ducts, and periportal mesenchymal cells. In the 6th GW, MMP-2 was found only in microvascular endothelium. In the 7th GW, MMP-2 was also detected in hepatocytes. From the 9th GW onward, MMP-2 was detectable in all hepatocytes and erythropoietic, endothelial, and periportal mesenchymal cells. MMP-7 was present in the 6th GW in some hepatocytes and endothelial cells, but from the 7th GW onward, only in hematopoietic cells. MMP-13 was found exclusively in hematopoietic cells. This study has shown that production of MMP -1, MMP-2, MMP-7, and MMP-13 during human liver development already occurs from the 6th GW. At this time-point their substrates are only traces or are not yet present in the tissue. A possible role of MMPs in early liver development is discussed.

Embryonic and Fetal Development↗

Role of matrix metalloproteinase-7 in colorectal adenomas.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degregade and remodel the extracellular matrix. They are known to be overexpressed as normal mucosa progresses to adenomas and carcinomas. In our prospective study we measured the overexpression of MMP-7 immunohistochemically in various types of colonic adenomas. Although MMP-7 has already been shown to be overexpressed in various types of colonic adenomas, tubular versus villous adenomas had not been further seperated to date. Seventy-six patients had either normal mucosa (n=15) or tubular (n=32), tubulovillous (n=16), or villous (n=13) colonic adenoma. MMP-7 expression was classified into three categories, as negative, weakly stained, or strongly stained, depending on the percentage of cells stained. Each adenoma was graded according to the percentage of strongly stained areas in the adenoma as G0, G1, G2, or G3. Sixty-nine percent of villous adenomas showed grade 3 staining of MMP-7, versus none of the tubular adenomas. G0 and G1 staining was not detected in the villous adenomas. The results of the study show that the degrees of overexpression of the three subtypes of colonic adenomas were statistically significantly different. In conclusion, MMP-7 overexpression is thought to be an early event in the adenoma-carcinoma pathway.

Adenoma↗

Ischaemia-reperfusion injury activates matrix metalloproteinases in the human heart.

AIMS: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) regulate matrix remodelling in the heart and play a pivotal role in myocardial dysfunction immediately following ischaemia-reperfusion injury ex vivo in rats. We investigated the changes in MMPs and TIMPs in acute myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifteen patients with stable angina undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled. Left ventricular stroke work index was monitored prior to bypass and for 24 h following reperfusion. Left atrial biopsy samples were obtained at the start of bypass before cardioplegia and within 10 min after removal of the aortic cross-clamp. Plasma samples were collected from the radial artery and coronary sinus 1, 5, and 10 min following removal of the cross-clamp. In cardiac biopsies there was a marked increase in 72 kDa MMP-2 and 92 kDa MMP-9 activities, and a decrease in TIMP-1 upon reperfusion. Increased MMP activity correlated positively with cross-clamp duration and inversely with cardiac mechanical function 3 h following reperfusion. TIMP-1 correlated inversely with cross-clamp time and positively with cardiac mechanical function. Plasma samples revealed a significant increase in both 92 kDa MMP-9 and 64 kDa MMP-2 activities 1 min following removal of cross-clamp. CONCLUSION: Reperfusion following cardioplegia activates MMPs in the myocardium and plasma of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. This is the first correlation of MMP myocardial activity with cardiac function in humans. The early increase in MMP activity produces a proteolytic environment that may contribute to myocardial stunning injury in humans.

Angina Pectoris↗