Expressions of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3 and their tissue inhibitors in the conjunctival tissue and fibroblasts cultured from conjunctivochalasis

AIM：To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3（MMP-1 and MMP-3） and their tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 and 3（ TIMP-1 and TIMP-3） in the conjunctiva of eyes with conjunctivochalasis（CCh）.METHODS：The conjunctival tissue was obtained from the CCh patients and controls,the MMPs/TIMPs expression concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） and immunofluorescence staining.The expression levels of MMPs/TIMPs in the CCh fibroblasts were determined by analyzing its concentration in the cellular supernatant that was abstracted from the in vitro cultured CCh fibroblasts.RESULTS：MMP-1 and MMP-3 levels determined by ELISA were both significantly higher in the CCh group than that in the control group（P= 0.042,0.022,respectively）,so was the levels of TIMP-1（P= 0.010）.No significant difference in the expression of TIMP-3 in conjunctiva was found between the two groups（P= 0.298）.The expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 were both up-regulated significantly in the CCh group（P= 0.040,0.001,respectively） on immunofluorescence staining.MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression in the fibroblasts were both significantly higher in the CCh group than that in the control group（P= 0.027,0.001,respectively）,while neither the TIMP-1 nor TIMP-3 expression was significantly different between the two groups（P= 0.421,0.237,respectively）.CONCLUSION：The overexpression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 in conjunctival tissue and fibroblasts may play an important role in the pathogenesis and development of CCh.

Time-dependent matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases expression change in fusarium solani keratitis

AIM： To investigate matrix metalloproteinases（MMPs）and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases（TIMPs）expression during the progress of fusarium solani（F.solani） keratitis in a rat model.· METHODS： A rat model of F.solani keratitis was produced using corneal scarification and a hand-made contact lens. MMPs and TIMPs expressiond were explored in this rat model of F.solani keratitis using real-time polymerase chain reaction（PCR） and DIF.GM6001（400 μmol/m L） was used to treat infected corneas. The keratitis duration, amount and area of corneal neovascularization（CNV） were evaluated.·RESULTS： MMP-3 expression was 66.3 times higher in infected corneas compared to normal corneas. MMP-8,-9,and-13 expressions were significantly upregulated in the mid-period of the infection, with infected- to-normal ratios of 4.03, 39.86, and 5.94, respectively. MMP-2 and-7expressions increased in the late period, with the infected-to-normal ratios of 5.94 and 16.22, respectively.TIMP-1 expression was upregulated in the early period,and it was 43.17 times higher in infected compared to normal corneas, but TIMP-2,-3, and-4 expressions were mildly downregulated or unchanged. The results of DIF were consistent with the result of real-time PCR.GM6001, a MMPs inhibitor, decreased the duration of F.solani infection and the amount and area of CNV.·CONCLUSION： MMPs and TIMPs contributed into the progress of F.solani keratitis.

MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE AND THEIR INHIBITORS: MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF THEIR ROLES IN THE TUMOR METASTASIS

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic enzymes, whose physiological functions include tissue remo-delling and embryogenesis. The importance of this group of proteins in the processes of tumor invasion and metastasis is now widely acknowledged, and has led to the search for MMP inhibitors for use as anticancer treatments in a clinical setting. The review aims to introduce current research relating to MMPs as well as their native and synthetic inhibitor, with particular emphasis on the molecular aspects of their roles in tumor metastasis.

Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloprotease-1(TIMP-1)Regulates Adipogenesis of Adipose-derived Stem Cells(ASCs)via the Wnt Signaling Pathway in an MMP-independent Manner

Tissue inhibitor of m etalloprotease-1(TIM P-1)is a tissue inhibitor o f matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs).It however exerts multiple effects on biological processes,such as cell growth,proliferation,differentiation and apoptosis,in an MMP-independent manner.This study aimed to examine the role of TIMP-1 in adipogenesis of adipose-derived stem cells(ASCs)and the underlying mechanism.We knocked down the TIMP-1 gene in ASCs through lentiviral vectors encoding TIMP-1 small interfering RNA(siRNA),and then found that the knockdown of TIMP-1 in ASCs promoted the adipogenic differentiation of stem cells and inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in ASCs.We also noted that mutant TIMP-1 without the inhibitory activity on MMPs promoted the activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway as well as the recombinant wild type TIMP-1 did,which indicated that the effect of TIMP-1 on Wnt/β-catenin pathway was MMPindependent.Our study suggested that TIMP-1 negatively regulated the adipogenesis of ASCs via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in an MMP-independent manner.

Metalloproteinases as mediators of inflammation and the eyes： molecular genetic underpinnings governing ocular pathophysiology

There are many vision threatening diseases of the eye affecting millions of people worldwide. In this article, we are summarizing potential role of various matrix metalloproteinases （MMPs）; the Zn （2＋）-dependent endoproteases in eye health along with pathogenesis of prominent ocular diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma via understanding MMPs regulation in affected patients, interactions of MMPs with their substrate molecules, and key regulatory functions of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases （TIMPs） towards maintaining overall homeostasis.

TGF-beta1 Transgenic Mouse Model of Thoracic Irradiation: Modulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the Lung Tissue

To investigate the effects of TGF-β1 on the two gelatinases （MMP-2 and MMP-9）, and their roles in lung remodeling after irradiation-induced lung injury. Expressions of TGF-β1 were measured with western blot, and expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were analyzed with zymography in a TGF-β1 transgenic mouse model after thoracic irradiation with 12 Gy. We found expressions of TGF-β1 in the lung from the transgenic mice were three folds as compared to those from control mice. With densitometrical analysis, we found a significant decrease in MMP-9 activity in lung homogenates from the transgenic mice as compared with those from non-transgenic control mice 8 weeks after sham-irradiation （relative MMP-9 activity： C： 1. 000±0. 1091; TG： 0. 4772±0. 470 （n=8, P〈0.05）. But MMP-2 was constitutively expressed in the lung homogenates from the transgenic mice as compared to those from control mice 8 weeks after sham-irradiation （relative MMP-2 activity 8 weeks after sham-irradiation： C： 1. 000±0. 1556, TG： 1. 0075±0. 1472）. Eight weeks after thoracic irradiation with 12 Gy, we observed a significant increase of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in lung homogenates from both transgenic and normal mice. In TGF-β1 transgenic mice relative MMP-9 activity was increased to 1. 5321±0. 2217 folds 8 weeks after thoracic irradiation with 12 Gy as compared to those after sham-irradiation （1. 000±0. 2153）, and relative MMP-2 activity was increased to 1. 7142 ± 0. 4231 folds. Our results show that TGF-β1 itself down-regulates activity of MMP-9, thereby decreases ECM degradation in lungs of TGF-β1 transgenic mice. Also we find that ionizing irradiation upregulates both MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. Over-expressions of MMP-9 and MMP-2 after lung irradiation are involved in the inflammatory response associated with radiation-induced lung injury, and maybe further in radiation-induced lung fibrosis.

Modulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase and TIMP-1 Expression by TGF-β_1 in Cultured Human RPE Cells

In order to investigate the effects of TGF-β1 on the expression of MMP-2, -9 and TIMP- 1 in human retinal pigment epithelial （RPE） cells, the third-sixth passage cultured RPE cells were treated with TGF-β1 at different concentrations （0.01, 0. 1, 1.0, 10 ng/mL）, the expression of MMP-2, -9 and TIMP-1 mRNA was detected by semi-qudntitative RT-PCR assays. MMP-2, -9 and TIMP-1 mRNA were expressed in the cultured RPE cells. The values of MMP-2/β-actin in the cells treated with 0.1, 1.0, 10 ng/mL TGF-β1 were 1.04±0.04, 1.07±0.02 and 1.11±0.03, respectively, significantly higher than in the control group （0.96±0.03, P〈0. 05-0.01）. The expression of MMP-2 mRNA could be up-regulated by TGF-β, , in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of MMP-9 mRNA in the cultured RPE cells was slightly up-regulated by various TGF-β1 concentrations treatment. The values of TIMP-1/β-actin in the cells treated with 0.01 and 0.1 ng/ mL TGF-β1 were 0.85 ±0.01 and 0.97 ± 0.02 respectively, significantly lower than in the control group （1.07±0.04, P〈0.01）, indicating that the expression of TIMP-1 mRNA was down-regulated by TGF-β1 at low concentrations. But along with the increase of TGF-β1 concentrations （1.0 and 10 ng/mL）, the expression of TIMP-1 mRNA was slightly up-regulated, not significantly different from that in the control group （P〉0.05）. It was concluded that TGF-β1 might play an important role in the up-regulation of the expression of MMP-2 in RPE cells and result in a directional shift in the balance between MMP and TIMP. This may be facilitated for RPE cells to migrate in the pathogenesis of vitreoretinopathy.

Diabetes-related intestinal region-specific thickening of ganglionic basement membrane and regionally decreased matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression in myenteric ganglia

BACKGROUND The importance of the neuronal microenvironment has been recently highlighted in gut region-specific diabetic enteric neuropathy. Regionally distinct thickening of endothelial basement membrane(BM) of intestinal capillaries supplying the myenteric ganglia coincide with neuronal damage in different intestinal segments. Accelerated synthesis of matrix molecules and reduced degradation of matrix components may also contribute to the imbalance of extracellular matrix dynamics resulting in BM thickening. Among the matrix degrading proteinases, matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9) and its tissue inhibitor(TIMP1) are essential in regulating extracellular matrix remodelling.AIM To evaluate the intestinal segment-specific effects of diabetes and insulin replacement on ganglionic BM thickness, MMP9 and TIMP1 expression.METHODS Ten weeks after the onset of hyperglycaemia gut segments were taken from the duodenum and ileum of streptozotocin-induced diabetic, insulin-treated diabetic and sex-and age-matched control rats. The thickness of BM surrounding myenteric ganglia was measured by electron microscopic morphometry. Wholemount preparations of myenteric plexus were prepared from the different gut regions for MMP9/TIMP1 double-labelling fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Post-embedding immunogold electron microscopy was applied on ultrathin sections to evaluate the MMP9 and TIMP1 expression in myenteric ganglia and their microenvironment from different gut segments and conditions. The MMP9 and TIMP1 messenger ribonucleic acid(m RNA) level was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS Ten weeks after the onset of hyperglycaemia, the ganglionic BM was significantly thickened in the diabetic ileum, while it remained intact in the duodenum. The immediate insulin treatment prevented the diabetes-related thickening of the BM surrounding the ileal myenteric ganglia. Quantification of particle density showed an increasing tendency for MMP9 and a decreasing tendency for TIMP1 from the proximal to the distal small intestine under control conditions. In the diabetic ileum, the number of MMP9-indicating gold particles decreased in myenteric ganglia, endothelial cells of capillaries and intestinal smooth muscle cells, however, it remained unchanged in all duodenal compartments. The MMP9/TIMP1 ratio was also decreased in ileal ganglia only. However, a marked segment-specific induction was revealed in MMP9 and TIMP1 at the m RNA levels.CONCLUSION These findings support that the regional decrease in MMP9 expression in myenteric ganglia and their microenvironment may contribute to extracellular matrix accumulation, resulting in a region-specific thickening of ganglionic BM.

Effects of Biejia Ruangan Tablet(复方鳖甲软肝片)-Containing Serum on Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 Expression in Cultured Renal Interstitial Fibroblasts

Objective： To investigate the effects of Biejia Ruangan Tablet （复方鳖甲软肝片, BRT）- containing serum on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase （MMP-9） and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase （TIMP-1） in cultured renal interstitial fibroblasts. Methods： Different BRT-containing sera were prepared by gastric gavages to rats with the high-dose （7 g/kg）, mid-dose （3.5 g/kg）, and low-dose （1.75 g/kg） BRT respectively. The expression of extracellular matrix in NRK-49F cells was induced by treatment with human transforming growth factor-β1 （recombined human TGF-β 1）, and BRT-containing serum. Western blotting and Northern blotting were used to measure type I and III procollagen, MMP-9, and TIMP-1. Results： The high dose BRT-containing serum could decrease the type Ⅰ and Ⅲ procollagen gene expression which boosted by TGF- 13 1, at the same time cut down TIMP-1 protein and gene expression which increased by TGF- β1 （P〈0.05）. Treatment of cells with recombined human TGF-β 1 had no significant effect on MMP-9 expression and BRT- containing serum also had no effect on MMP-9 expression. Conclusions： High dose BRT has anti-fibrosis effects in NRK-49F cells, as indicated by its inhibition of type Ⅰ and Ⅲ procollagen and TIMP-1 expression.

Effects of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate on expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in fibroblasts irradiated with ultraviolet A

Background It is known that ultraviolet irradiation can affect cellular function through a number of signaling pathways ( ) epigallocatechin 3 gallate (EGCG) is the major effective component in green tea and can offer protection from ultraviolet induced damage In this study, we investigated the protective mechanism of EGCG on human dermal fibroblasts damaged by ultraviolet A (UVA) in vitro Methods Transcription factor Jun protein levels were measured by Western blot Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP 1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP 1) mRNA were studied by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) analysis in conjunction with computer assisted image analysis MMP 1 and TIMP 1 proteins were quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Results EGCG decreased transcription activity of Jun protein after induction by UVA Both the mRNA and protein levels of MMP 1 were increased by UVA irradiation, while no significant changes were observed in TIMP 1 levels The ratio of MMP 1 to TIMP 1 showed statistically significant differences compared with the control EGCG decreased the ratio of MMP 1 to TIMP 1 by inhibiting UVA induced MMP 1 expression ( P <0 05) Conclusion EGCG can protect human fibroblasts against UVA damage by downregulating the transcription activity of Jun protein and the expression of MMP 1 The ratio of MMP 1 to TIMP 1, rather than the levels of MMP 1 or TIMP 1 alone, may play a significant role in human skin photodamage

Effects of sodium arsenite on the expression of microRNA-191 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 in L-02 cells

Objective To investigate the effects of sodium arsenite（NaAsO2）on the expression of microRNA-191（miR-191）and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3（TIMP-3）in human normal hepatic cells（L-02 cells）.Methods L-02 cells were exposed to different doses of Na2As O2[0（control group）,5,25,50 and 75μmol/L]

Effects of moxibustion or moxa smoke on serum lipids and carotid plaque stability in atherosclerotic mice

Objective:To observe the effects of moxibustion or moxa smoke on serum lipids,aorta and liver pathology,and carotid plaque stability in atherosclerosis.Methods:Fifty-four 8-week-old ApoE^-/- mice were randomly divided into three groups(untreated,moxibustion,and moxa smoke)and received a high-fat diet.Eighteen wild-type C57 BL/6 mice of the same age were used as controls.The intervention(none,moxibustion between the nipples,or 10 e15 mg/m^3 moxa smoke)was applied to restrained mice 20 min per day,six days per week,for 12 weeks.At the end of the experimental period,we measured serum lipids and apolipoprotein,stained thoracic aortas and livers to observe pathological changes,and used immunohistochemical staining to assess the levels of a-smooth muscle actin,CD68,tumor necrosis factor-α,nuclear transcription factor-κB,and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.We also measured the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 and tissue metalloproteinase inhibitor-1.Results:After 12 weeks,lipid metabolism disorder and atherosclerotic plaques were observed in the ApoE^-/- mice.Moxibustion or moxa smoke reduced the levels of serum total cholesterol,triglycerides,low density lipoprotein,and very low density lipoprotein but did not affect the levels of high density lipoprotein,apolipoprotein A1,or oxidized low density lipoprotein.Moxibustion or moxa smoke suppressed pathological changes in thoracic aortas and livers,increased fiber cap thickness,the fiber cap thickness/intimal medial thickness ratio,and collagen area percentage,and reduced extracellular lipids.Treatment with moxibustion or moxa smoke increased a-smooth muscle actin and reduced CD68 and the vulnerability index,suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear transcription factor-κB expression,and did not affect P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression.Treatment lowered the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 and increased those of tissue metalloproteinase inhibitor-1.Conclusion:Moxibustion or moxa smoke exert protective effects in serum lipid profiles and carotid plaque stability in atherosclerotic mice by regulating plaque stability,inflammatory factors,and matrix metalloproteinases.

Aberrant expression of genes and proteins in pterygium and their implications in the pathogenesis

Pterygium is a common ocular surface disease induced by a variety of factors. The exact pathogenesis of pterygium remains unclear. Numbers of genes and proteins are discovered in pterygium and they function differently in the occurrence and development of this disease. We searched the Web of Science and PubMed throughout history for literatures about the subject. The keywords we used contain pterygium, gene, protein, angiogenesis, fibrosis, proliferation, inflammation, pathogenesis and therapy. In this review, we summarize the aberrant expression of a range of genes and proteins in pterygium compared with normal conjunctiva or cornea, including growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of mefalloproteinases, interleukins, tumor suppressor genes, proliferation related proteins, apoptosis related proteins, cell adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix proteins, heat shock proteins and tight junction proteins. We illustrate their possible mechanisms in the pathogenesis of pterygium as well as the related intervention based on them for pterygium therapy.

Effect of exercise training on left ventricular remodeling in patients with myocardial infarction and possible mechanisms

BACKGROUND A growing amount of evidence provides support for the hypothesis that acute myocardial infarction(AMI)patients should go through cardiopulmonary exercise testing(CPET)about 3-5 d after AMI is diagnosed,make reasonable exercising prescription,and conduct exercise training under guidance.AIM To investigate the effect of exercise training(ET)on left ventricular systolic function and left ventricular remodeling(LVRM)and to study the possible mechanisms of LVRM by the changes of matrix metallopeptidase 9(MMP-9)and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1(TIMP-1)in patients with acute STsegment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).METHODS Sixty patients with first STEMI undergoing direct percutaneous coronary intervention from February 2008 to October 2008 were randomly assigned to an exercise group(n=30)and a control group(n=30).The levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were measured in all patients at 1 d,10-14 d,30 d,and 6 mo after admission.Two-dimensional echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing were done in patients at 10-14 d and 6 mo after admission.RESULTS There was no significant difference in CPET at baseline between the exercise group and the control group.At 6 mo,the time of exercise,peak and anaerobic threshold values of O2 uptake,and metabolic equivalents increased in both groups,but markedly increased in the exercise group.At baseline,there were no significant differences in left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)between the two groups.At 6 mo,LVEF increased in the exercise group,but not in the control group.At 6 mo,the percentage of patients with positive result of LVRM was 26.6%in the exercise group and 52.6%in the control group(P<0.05).The levels of plasma MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and the ratio of MMP-9 to TIMP-1 in both groups had no significant difference at 1 d and 10-14 d after AMI,but at 30 d and 6 mo,the levels of plasma MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the exercise group were significantly lower than those in the control group;the ratio of MMP-9 to TIMP-1 in the exercise group was significantly higher than that in the control group.CONCLUSION ET under supervision based on home condition in early and recovery stage of AMI can improve exercise cardiopulmonary function and prevent the LVRM.Therefore,it may reduce unfavorable remodeling response by decreasing the levels of plasma MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and adjusting the ratio of MMP-9 to TIMP-1 hereafter.

Effect of shRNA Inhibiting HIF1α Gene on TIMP1 Expression in RPE Cells

Small hairpin RNA （shRNA） was used to silence the HIF1α gene in human retinal pigment epithelial cells （RPE） under hypoxia in order to observe the effect of gene silencing on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor 1 （TIMP1）. By using chemical hypoxic inducer CoCl2 to mimic RPE hypoxic environment, shRNA against the targeting region of HIF1α mRNA sequence was synthesized by a method of in vitro transcription, and the HIF1α was interfered in RPE cultured under hypoxia （induced by 150 μmol/L CoCl2 ）. RT-PCR was employed to detect the expression of HIF1α and TIMP1. The expression levels of HIF1α and TIMP1 were measured by using Western blotting. The results showed that after the RPE were transfected with specific shRNA against HIF1α mRNA, RT PCR revealed that under hypoxia, the efficacy of HIF1α gene silencing in RPE was 83.4 %. Western blotting revealed that the expression levels of HIF1α protein was dramatically dropped. In addition, RT-PCR results demonstrated that the expression of TIMP1 mRNA was decreased by 28.9 %, and the expression levels of TIMP1 protein were also significantly reduced by Western blotting. It was suggested that shRNA targeted against HIF1α mRNA could effectively silence the HIF1α gene, subsequently effectively inhibit the hypoxia-induced up-regulation of TIMP1.

Effects of Calcium Dobesilate on Glomerulus TIMP1 and Collagen Ⅳ of Diabetic Rats

Summary ： To observe the effects of calcium dobesilate on the expression of glomerular tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 （TIMP1）, collagen Ⅳ , and ultrastrueture of glomerular basement mem- brane in diabetic rats, rats model of diabetes was established by unilateral nephreetomy and intraperitoneal injection of 1% STZ （55 mg/kg）, and rats were administered calcium dobesilate 100 mg/ kg （DD group） or distilled water （DM group） respectively. 12 weeks later, the changes in the renal uhrastrueture and ereatinine clearance rate （Cer） were examined in each group. The expression of glomerular TIMP1 and collagen Ⅳ were studied by immunohistoehemieal staining. Our results showed that after 12 weeks, the Cer in DD group increased and was significantly higher than that in DM group. Electron microscopy showed that thickness of glomerular capillary basement membrane （GBM） in Group DD was less than that of DM group. No hyperplasia of collagen fibers was found, and the distance betweeh the holes of endothelial cells in DD group was not as even as that in the normal group, but more even than that of DM group, and podocyte processes was still in order. Immunohistochemical staining of glomeruli showed that expression of TIMP1 and collagen Ⅳ in DD group were significantly less than those of DM group DM. It is concluded that calcium dobesilate can improve diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting the overaccumulation of collagen Ⅳ and calcium dobesilate may also contribute to diabetes by inhibiting the expression of TIMP1.

miR-181b promotes the oncogenesis of renal cell carcinoma by targeting TIMP3

Renal cell carcinoma(RCC)has a poor prognosis due to limited diagnosis and treatment.Thus,it is necessary to find novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.The aberrant expression of microRNAs plays an important role in RCC oncogenesis.Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 3(TIMP3)acts as a downstream target of miR-181b.The aim of this study was to understand the role and molecular mechanism of miR-181b in RCC oncogenesis.The results showed that miR-181b expression was significantly higher in RCC tumour tissues,especially in those with significant invasion or metastasis.miR-181b overexpression promoted proliferation and migration of the RCC cell line 786-O,while miR-181b knockdown had the opposite effect.In addition,miR-181b was inversely correlated with TIMP3 expression in RCC tumour tissues.miR-181b overexpression reduced TIMP3 expression in RCC cell line 786-O or OS-RC-2,while miR-181b knockdown had the inverse effect.Mechanistically,a luciferase reporter assay confirmed the binding sites of miR-181b on the 3’-UTR of TIMP3,confirming the targeting effect of miR-181b on TIMP3.Overall,miR-181b promotes the development and progression of RCC by targeting TIMP3 expression,indicating the potential use of miR-181b in the diagnosis and treatment of RCC.

Alterations in fibrinolytic system proteins PAI-1,MMP-3,MMP-8,TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in post-cholecystectomy bile duct injury

Introduction: In bile duct injuries (BDI), cholestasis and cholangitis can alter the fibrinolytic system by promoting an increase of extracellular matrix depositions which favor an imbalance between metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). Materials and Methods: Levels of PAI-1, MMP-3, MMP-8, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in 35 patients with post-cholecystectomy BDI by complete biliary obstruction were measured and compared to a healthy control group. Sirius red staining and immune staining for MMP-3 and MMP-8 were also undertaken in liver biopsies. Results: Levels of PAI-1, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and MMP-8 were higher in BDI than healthy controls: 15 ± 2 ng/mL vs 7.1 ± 2 ng/mL (p 0.024);539 ± 64 ng/mL vs 256 ± 13 ng/mL (p p p 2 vs. 22865.7 ± 3865 μm2 in healthy controls (p 2 vs. 30744.2 ± 5810.2 μm2 (p 2 vs. 116337.9 ± 24803.3 μm2 (p 0.55). These results suggest an imbalance between fibrogenic/fibrinolytic protein levels. Interestingly, expression of the fibrinolytic protein MMP-8 was increased in serum and liver biopsies in BDI. Conclusion: We found an imbalance of profibrogenic molecules which promote extracellular matrix deposition. The over-expression of fibrinolytic proteins such as MMP-8 could limit liver fibrosis, preventing hepatic dysfunction in post-cholecystectomy BDI.

Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction(加味小柴胡汤) Promotes Collagen Degradation and Inhibits Pancreatic Fibrosis in Chronic Pancreatitis Rats

Objective:To investigate the effect of Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction(MXD,加味小柴胡汤)on collagen degradation in rats with chronic pancreatitis(CP).Methods:Rats were injected dibutyltin dichloride(DBTC,7 mg/kg of body weight)into the right caudal vein to induce CP model.Thirty heallhy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups by a random number table:the control,the model and the treatment groups.Rats of treatment group were administered MXD(10 g/kg of body weight)orally once daily starting from the day post-model establishment.Pancreatic tissues were harvested after 28-day feeding and fibrosis was evaluated by picro-sirius red staining.The contents of collagen typeⅠandⅢwere detected using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP13)and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1(TIMP1)was analyzed by Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR).Results:The fibrosis scoring of pancreatic tissues,the concentrations of collagen typeⅠandⅢ,the expression levels of MMP13 and TIMP1 proteins and mRNA in the model group were all increased compared with the control group(P<0.05).After treatment with MXD,the fibrosis scoring of pancreatic tissues,the concentrations of collagen typeⅠandⅢ,the expression levels of MMP13 proteins and m RNA in the teatment group were all decreased compared with the model group(P<0.05),but there were no significant differences in the expression levels of TIMP1 proteins and m RNA(P>0.05).Conclusion:MXD could promote collagen degradation and reverse pancreatic fibrosis in CP rats via a mechanism involve up-regulation of MMP13 expression.