兔耳病理性瘢痕皮回植术后组织中基质金属蛋白酶－1及金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂－1表达的变化

目的通过建立兔耳模型观察基质金属蛋白酶－1（matrixmetalloproteinase－1，MMP－1）及金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂－1（tissueinh｜bitorofmetalloproteinase1，TIMP1）在病理性瘢痕皮回植术后组织中表达的变化，探讨瘢痕皮回植治疗病理性瘢痕的机制。方法建立兔耳病理性瘢痕模型。共分为3组：正常皮肤组（对照组，A组）、病理性瘢痕组（B组）及瘢痕皮回植组（c组）。切取标本行HE染色和Masson特殊组织化学染色及免疫组织化学染色，观察各组标本MMP－1、TIMP－1的表达情况。结果病理性瘢痕经瘢痕皮回植术后，MMP－1及TIMP－l均较A组明显升高（P〈O．01）．MMP一1的表达较TIMP一1明显增强（P〈O．01）。结论瘢痕皮回植术治疗瘢痕的机制与瘢痕组织内MMP一1和TIMP一1相互作用的失衡有关。

Expressions of MMP-2,-9,TIMP-1,-2,-3 mRNA in Rat Uterus during Estrous Cycle

Zymography and in situ hybridization were used to investigate matrixmetalloproteinase -2, -9 (MMP -2, MMP-9) activities and expressions of MMP -2, -9 and TIMP1, -2, -3 (tissue inhibitors of matrix metallo-proteinases) mRNA in the rat uterus during estrouscycle. The relative activity was semiquanted by using densitometric analysis. The MMP-2(67 kDa) activity in every stage during estrpus cycle was detected by zymography. MMP-2activity was highest at proestrus; higher at estrus and metaestrus; lowest at diestrus. Throughin situ hybridization, MMP -2, -9, TIMP -1~ -3 mRNA mainly in hasal stroma cells of uterineendometrium were detected. The positive signals of MMP -2 and -9 mRNAs in hasal stromacells were shown stronger at proestrus, estrus and metaestrus while they showed the weakest atdiestrus. The expression of MMP -2 mRNA coincided with MMP -2 activity change. MMP-2and -9 mRNAs were also highly expressed in uterine circular muscle at estrus. Weak signals ofMMP -9 mRNA were detected in uterine luminal and glandular epithelial cells at estrus.TIMP -1 mRNA in hasal stroma cells was shown as the strongest expression at estrus andmetaestrus; stronger at proestrus and the weakest at diestrus. TIMP-2 mRNA in basal stromacells was stronger at estrus and diestrus; weaker at proestrus and metaestrus. TIMP -1 and -2mRNAs were also highly expressed in uterine luminal and glandular epithelial cells at estrus.TIMP -3 mRNA in hasal stroma cells revealed the strongest expression at estrus; stronger atdiestrus and metaestrus and showed the weakest at proestrus. The mRNA was also highlyexpressed in uterine circular muscle at estrus. In short, our present results provide evidencethat MMP -2, -9 and TIMP -1~ -3 were involved in rat uterine endometrium reconstructionduring estrous cycle.

Antifibrotic effect of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline on bile duct ligation induced liver fibrosis in rats

AIM:To investigate the preventive effect of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) on bile duct ligation (BDL)induced liver fibrosis in rats. METHODS:Liver fibrosis in rats was induced by BDL and AcSDKP was infused subcutaneously for 2 wkvia a osmotic minipump (Alzet 2ML4) immediately after BDL operation. After scarifying, serum and liver specimens were collected. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Sirius red staining, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot or real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to determinate liver functions, histological alterations, collagen deposition, mRNA expression of markers for fibroblasts, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7). RESULTS:When compared to model rats, chronic exogenous AcSDKP infusion suppressed profibrogenicTGF-β1 signaling, α-smooth muscle actin positivity (α-SMA), fibroblast specific protein-1 (FSP-1) staining and collagen gene expression. Col Ⅰ, Col Ⅲ, matrix metalloproteinase-2, tissue inhibitors of metallopro-teinase-1 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 mRNA expressions were all significantly downregulated by AcSDKP infusion (2.02 ± 1.10vs 14.16 ± 6.50, 2.02 ± 0.45vs 10.00 ± 3.35, 2.91 ± 0.30vs 7.83 ± 1.10, 4.64 ± 1.25 vs 18.52 ± 7.61, 0.46 ± 0.16 vs 0.34 ± 0.12, respectively, P < 0.05). Chronic exogenous AcSDKP infusion attenuated BDL-induced liver injury, inflammation and fibrosis. BDL caused a remarkable increase in alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin, and prothrombin time, all of which were reduced by AcSDKP infusion. Mast cells, collagen accumulation, α-SMA, TGF-β1, FSP-1 and BMP-7 increased. The histological appearance of liver specimens was also improved. CONCLUSION:Infusion of exogenous AcSDKP attenu-ated BDL-induced fibrosis in the rat liver. Preservation of AcSDKP may be a useful therapeutic approach in the management of liver fibrosis.

Effect of Danshao Huaxian capsule on expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in fibrotic liver of rats

AIM： To investigate the effects of Danshao Huaxian （DSHX） capsules, a preparation of traditional Chinese medicine, on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 （MMP-1）, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 （TIMP-1） in the fibrous livers of rats. METHODS： Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group （group A）, CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis group （group B）, non-DSHX-treated group （group C）, low dose-treated group （group D）, and high dose-treated group （group E）. Fibrous liver models in rats were induced by subcutaneous injection of CCI4, oral administration of alcohol and high-lipid/low-protein diet for 8 wk. After the models were established, the rats in groups D and E were orally given a low dose （0.5 g/kg） and a high dose （1.0 g/kg） of DSHX daily for 8 wk, respectively. Then, the liver indexes, serum hyaluronic acid （HA） and alanine aminotransferase （ALT） were examined. The degree of hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by optical microscopy. Hydroxyproline （Hyp） in the urine was determined, and the expression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 was detected by immunohistochemical techniques. RESULTS： In groups D and E, the liver indexes, levels of serum HA and ALT reduced and development of hepatic fibrosis weakened significantly. The urinary Hyp and expression of MMP-1 in the liver tissues elevated, but the expression of TIMP-1 decreased obviously, as compared to groups B and C.CONCLUSION： DSHX enhances the expression of MMP-1 but decreases that of TIMP-1 in liver tissues of CCI4-induced hepatic fibrotic rats, which may result in its elevated activity that contributes to fighting against hepatic fibrosis.

Correlation of matrix metalloproteinase－2, －9, tissue inhibitor－1 of matrix metalloproteinase and CD44 variant 6 in head and neck cancer metastasis

This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism in tumor invasion and metastasis. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2, 9 (MMP 2, MMP 9), tissue inhibitor 1 of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP 1), cell adhesion molecule 44 variant 6 (CD44v6), HER2/neu and p53 was investigated in 154 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by ABC and ImmunoMax immunohistochemical method. Their clinical relevance and correlation were analysed. The expression of MMP 2, MMP 9, TIMP 1, CD44v6, HER2/neu and p53 was found in cancer cells in 87.01%, 85.71%, 68.18%, 98.05%, 55.19% and 50.65% cases respectively. Linear regression and correlation analysis revealed that there was close positive relationship ( P <0.05) between the expression of MMP 2 and MMP 9, TIMP 1 and CD44v6, HER2/neu and MMP 9, MMP 2 and p53. Up regulation of MMP 2 was accompanied by advanced T stage ( P <0.01) . There was also a trend of MMP 2 expression being related with tumor metastasis. Increased expression of HER2/neu was found in patients with tumor recurrence( P <0.05). The expression of TIMP 1 was higher in laryngeal cancer than that in pharyngeal cancer, and higher in keratinizing and non keratinizing SCC than that in basaloid SCC( P <0.05). These findings suggested that MMP 2 and MMP 9, HER2/neu and MMP 9, MMP 2 and p53 had a coordinate function in aggression of tumor; that MMP 2 had a more important function than MMP 9 in tumor invasion and metastasis; and that HER2/neu might serve as a biomarker for poor prognosis in HNSCC.

Levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 in gastric cancer

AIM:To evaluate the levels of preoperative serum matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in gastric cancer.METHODS:One hundred gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy were enrolled in this study.The serum concentrations of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in these patients and in fifty healthy controls were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS:Higher serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels were observed in patients than in controls (P < 0.001).Serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels were positively associated with morphological appearance,tumor size,depth of wall invasion,lymph node metastasis,liver metastasis,perineural invasion,and pathological stage.They were not significantly associated with age,gender,tumor location,or histological type.CONCLUSION:Increased MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were associated with gastric cancer.Although these markers are not good markers for diagnosis,these markers show in advanced gastric cancer.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metallo-proteinase-2 in colorectal carcinoma invasion and metastasis

AIM: To explore the relationship between matrix metallopr- oteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metallopr- oteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in the development of colorectal carcinoma and to provide a valuable marker for clinical diagnosis. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with colorectal carcinoma underwent surgical resection. Samples were taken from tumor sites and normal tissues. MMP-2 activity was determined by gelatin zymography. Western blot and ABC immunohist-ochemical staining were used to detect the expression levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in normal and colorectal carcinoma tissues. Statistical analyses were performed using the Student's t test and one-way ANOVA. P<0.05 was considered statistically .significant. All the statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 10.0 software. RESULTS: MMP-2 activity could be detected in both normal and colorectal carcinoma tissues. MMP-2 activity in colorectal carcinoma tissues was much higher than that in normal tissues (P<0.05, t=3.916,4.227). MMP-2 activity was positively related to the colorectal carcinoma invasion depth, lymph node metastasis and Duke's stage. Western blot and ABC immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that the expression level of MMP-2 in colorectal carcinoma tissues was much higher than that in normal tissues (P<0.05, t = 9.429), but the expression level of TIMP-2 in colorectal carcinoma tissues was much lower than that in normal tissues (P<0.05, t = 7.329). The MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio of colorectal carcinoma was much higher than that of normal tissues. With the progression of invasion depth, lymph node metastasis and tumor Duke's stage, the activity and expression level of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 gradually increased, but the MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio gradually decreased. CONCLUSION: The balance between MMP-2 and TIMP-2 plays a crucial role in the process of colorectal carcinoma invasion and metastasis.

Effects of fibril- or fixed-collagen on matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 production in the human hepatocyte cell line HLE

AIM:Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) are central to the spontaneous resolution of liver fibrosis. The mechanisms involved have been investigated in hepatic stellate cells (HSC), but not in hepatocytes. We investigated the effects of fibril- and fixed-collagen on MMP-1 and TIMP-1 production in hepatocytes, using the HLE cell line. METHODS: Fibril type I and IV collagen were prepared by HCI digestion of type I and IV collagen, respectively. For fixed-collagen, culture dishes were coated with fibril type I or IV collagen and fixed by ultraviolet. Type I collagenase activity was measured using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled type I collagen. MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in HLE cells were measured by a one-step sandwich enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Both fibril type I and IV collagen significantly increased type I collagenase activity about two-fold compared with no fibril collagen. The effects of the fibril collagen were not affected by the coating condition. There was no significant difference in the effects on collagenase activity between cells cultured in medium containing fibril type I collagen and those cultured in the presence of type IV collagen. Both types of fibril collagen significantly increased MMP-1 production, and showed more than 10-fold higher levels of MMP-1 than the control. The enhanced MMP-1 production by fibril collagens was unaffected by the coating condition. By contrast, TIMP-1 production was not changed by the addition of fibril type I or IV collagen, and neither was it affected by the coating conditions. Coating with type I collagen significantly suppressed MMP-1 production by almost one-tenth compared with no coating. By contrast, TIMP-1 production was not affected by either the absence of a collagen coat or by increasing the concentration of the coating collagen. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that, in HLE cells, fibril- and fixed-collagen have opposite effects on MMP-1 production without affecting TIMP production. Fibril collagen induced collagenase activity by up-regulation of MMP-1 production without affecting TIMP-1 production. By contrast, fixed collagen reduced MMP-1 production. Our results suggest that hepatocytes might also play an important role in the regulation of the hepatic fibrosis alongside HSC.

Effect of quercetin on expression of matrix metallo - proteinases and tissue inhibi tor of matalloproteinase -1 in cultured rat hepatic stellate cells

Objective: To study the effects of quercetin (QU) on matrix metallo-proteinases (MMPs) , the tissue inhibitor of matalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) , procollagen I and 2 proteoglycans (decorin and biglycan) mRNA expression in cultured rat hepatic stellate cell line HSC-T6 cells. Methods: Cells were treated with different concentrations of QU (12. 5, 25, 50 μmol/L) or drug solvent (0. 1 % Me2SO) for 24 h. mRNA expression was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: QU (12.5 - 50 μmol/L) enhanced collagenase (rat MMP-13) and membrane typel-MMP (MMP-14) mRNA expression, decreased procollagen I mRNA expression in a concentration-dependent manner, but did not affect gelatinase-A (MMP-2) , TIMP-1, decorin and biglycan expression. Conclusion: QU may decrease matrix deposition and increase matrix degradation, which might be beneficial to liver fibrosis.

RNF13： a novel RING-type ubiquitin ligase over-expressed in pancreatic cancer

Protein ubiquitination by E3 ubiquitin ligases plays an important role in cancer development. In this study, we provide experimental evidence that a RING-finger-containing protein RNF13 is an ER/Golgi membrane-associated E3 ubiquitin ligase and its RING finger domain is required for the ubiquitin ligase activity. Immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma （PDAC） and paracancerous normal tissues from 72 patients documented RNF13 over-expression in 30 tumor samples （41.7%, 30/72）, and its expression was significantly associated with histological grading （P= 0.024）. In addition, RNF13 was detected in precancerous lesions： tubular complexes in chronic pancreatitis （CP） and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia （PanIN） （79.3%, 23/29 and 62.8%, 22/35, respectively）. Moreover, RNF13 staining was significantly correlated with Tenascin-C expression （P = 0.004） in PDAC samples, further supporting the role of RNF13 in cancer progression. Over-expression of wild type but not RING domain-mutant RNF13 in pancreatic MiaPaca-2 cancer cells increased invasive potential and gelatinolytic activity by matrix metalloproteinase-9. Taken together, these findings reveal that RNF13 is a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in pancreatic carcinogenesis; ubiqui-tin-mediated modification of proteins by RNF13 may participate in pancreatic cancer development.

Construction of metastatic spinal cancer tissue microarrays

Objective： To explore the construction of metastatic spinal cancer （MSC） tissue microarrays and validate its value in immunohistochemical study of MSC. Methods： Paraffin-embedded specimens from 71 MSC cases and 6 primary tumor cases were selected as donor blocks and prepared into MSC tissue microarrays by tissue array arrangement, the steps of which included location, punching, sampling, sample seeding, and re-diagnosis by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） as well as MMP-9 and MMP-14 immunohistoehemical staining. Results： The MSC tissue microarrays thus constructed were intact and craekless, containing 154 complete and well arranged microarray points. None of the sectioned tissue microarrays was lost, and the results of HE staining was consistent with the primary pathologic diagnoses. Immunohistochemical staining was also good without non-specific or marginal effect. Conclusion： The MSC tissue microarrays have a high value in the immunohistochemical study of MSC.

LIGUSTRAZINE REDUCES CARTILAGE DESTRUCTION IN MODEL OF OSTEOARTHRITIS IN RATS

Objective To study the effect and possible mechanism of Ligustrazine-a chinese traditional herbal medicine （CTM） on rat osteoarthritis （OA）. Methods OA model was surgically induced. Morphology of articular cartilage was done by HE staining and mankin score was calculated; interleukin-1 and TNFα activity of rat joints was determined by 3-（4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide （MTT） method; immunohistochemistry of MMP-13 and Cathepsin K was done by ABC method while the mRNA level for MMP-13, cathepsin K and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 （TIMP-1） was evaluated by RT-PCR method. ResultsLigustrazine （60 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 or 30 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 , but not 10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 , im, ×8 weeks） reduced morphological changes of articular cartilage of OA rats. IL-1 and TNFα production of OA joints increases, together with MMP-13, cathepsine K and their mRNA levels in articular cartilage. The administration of Ligustrazine （60 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 -1 or 30 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 , im, ×8 weeks） reduced above changes significantly. At the same time, tissue inhibitor of metrix metalloprotease （TIMP1） mRNA level increased also in OA rats while Ligustrazine （60 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 , 30 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 or 10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 , im, ×8 weeks） had no significant effect on it. Conclusion Ligustrazine （60 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 or 30 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 , but not 10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 , im, ×8 weeks） effectively delays articular cartilage degradation of OA rats and could be a potential drug candidate for OA treatment.

大鼠肝星状细胞TGF—β3／TGF-β1mRNA比值与TGF-β1、MMP-9、TIMP-1表达的关系

目的探讨大鼠肝星状细胞（HSC—T6）中转化生长因子-β3（TGF-β3）和转化生长因子-β1（TGF-β1）mRNA比值变化与TGF—β1、MMP-9、TIMP1表达的关系。方法构建质粒pcDNA3．1（＋）-TGF-β1和pcDNA3．1（＋）-TGF-β1。将pcDNA3．1（＋）TGF—β1转染HSC—T6细胞株，经筛选建立高表达TGF-β1，的HSC-T6细胞阳性克隆。pcDNA3．1（＋）-TGF-β3转染该阳性克隆，48h后荧光定量PCR法和Westernblot法分别检测TGF-β1、TGF-β1、MMP-9和TIMP1mRNA和蛋白的变化。结果空白组、对照组、阳性克隆组及TGF-β3干预组中，TGF-β3／TGF-β3 mRNA比值分别为0．286±0．070、0．874±0．141、0．448±0．327和1．277±0．244；阳性克隆组与空白组和对照组相比，TGF-β1，和TGF-β1的mRNA及蛋白表达明显增高（P〈0．05），MMP9的mRNA及蛋白表达明显减少（P〈0．05）；TGF-β1干预组与阳性克隆组相比，TGF-β1蛋白和TGF-β1 mRNA及蛋白表达明显下降（P〈0．05），MMP-9mRNA及蛋白表达明显增加（P〈0．05）。结论TGF-β1能下凋TGF-β3。蛋白表达；当TGF-β3／TGF-β1mRNA比值〉1时，TGF-β1和TIMP-1表达减少，MMP-9表达增加；当TGF-β2／TGF-＆mRNA比值〈1时，TGF-鼠表达减少，TIMP—1和MMP-9表达无变化。

Prognostic value of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 in bladder carcinoma

OBJECTIVES: To detect the level of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) mRNA and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) mRNA in bladder transitional cell carcinoma (BTCC), and to estimate the prognosis for bladder tumor based on the quality and quantity of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 mRNA. METHODS: Thirty-five samples of human BTCC and 15 normal fresh bladder tissues were studied by RT-PCR analysis followed by computer-assisted image analysis. RESULTS: The level of the MMP-2 mRNA in BTCC was significantly increased compared with that in normal bladder epithelium. The positive rates of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 mRNA were 71.4% and 65.7% in BTCC, and 66.7% and 60.0% in the normal bladder wall. The expression intensity of the MMP-2 mRNA by image analysis tended to increase with tumor grading and staging, which showed statistical significance. Similarly, the MMP-2 to TIMP-2 ratio also showed statistically significant difference between normal bladder tissue and bladder carcinoma (P

Variants of genes encoding collagens and matrix metalloproteinase system increased the risk of aortic dissection

Aortic dissection （AD） is a devastating, heterogeneous condition of aorta. The homeostasis between collagens and matrix metalloproteases （MMPs）/tissue inhibitors of MMPs （TIMPs） system in the extracellular matrix plays an important role for structure and functions of aorta. However, our knowledge on association between variants of genes in this system and pathogenesis of AD is very limited. We analyzed all yet known coding human genes of collagens （45 genes）, MMPs/TIMPs （27 genes） in 702 sporadic AD patients and in 163 matched healthy controls, by using massively targeted next-generation and Sanger sequencing. To define the pathogenesis of potential disease-causing candidate genes, we performed transcriptome sequencing and pedigree co-segregation analysis in some genes and generated Col5a2 knockout rats. We identified 257 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants which involved 88.89% （64/72） genes in collagens-MMPs/TIMPs system and accounted for 31.05% （218/702） sporadic AD patients. In them, 84.86% patients （185/218） carried one variant, 12.84% two variants and 2.30% more than two variants. Importantly, we identified 52 novel probablY pathogenic loss-of-function （LOF） variants （20 nonsense, 16 frameshift, 14 splice sites, one stop-loss, one initiation codon） in 11.06% （50/452） AD patients, which were absent in 163 controls （P=2.5-10-5）. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that identified variants induced dyshomeostasis in expression of collagens-TIMPs/MMPs systems. The Col5a2-/- rats manifested growth retardation and aortic dysplasia. Our study provides a first comprehensive map of genetic alterations in collagens-MMPs/TIMPs system in sporadic AD patients and suggests that variants of these genes contribute largely to AD pathogenesis.

Qiguiyishen decoction reduced the accumulation of extracellular matrix in the kidneys of rats with adriamycin-induced nephropathy

OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effect of Qiguiyish- en decoction （QGYS） on the severity of nephropa- thy. METHODS： Twenty-four rats were randomly divid- ed into four groups （ Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ, IV） according to the random number table. Group I as control group did not establish nephropathy model. Groups Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and IV were intravenously administered Adria- mycin （7.5 mg/kg） through the tail vein to establish nephropathy model. QGYS was prepared with the extracts of Huangqi （RadixAstragali Mongolici）, Dan- ggui （Radix Angelicae Sinensis）, Niuxi （Radix Achyran-this Bidentatae）, and Chuanxiong （Rhizoma Chuanx- iong）. Group IV was administered QGYS （2 mL. kg^-1· d^-1）, groupⅢ was administered benazepril （10 mL. kg^-1·d^-1）, and group ⅠⅡ was administered water （2 mL. kg·^-1. d^-1） once daily for eight weeks. RESULTS： QGYS reduced the excretion of urinary protein and N-acetyH3-D-glucosaminidase and alle- viated the accumulation of extracellular matrix （ECM） in renal tissue. Additionally, QGYS effectively regulated the levels of transforming growth factor, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase, and matrix metalloproteinases in the kidney of the rats. CONCLUSION-＂ QGYS may reduce the accumulation of ECM in the kidneys of rats with Adriamycin-in- duced nephropathy.

The effects of sodium hyaluronate on mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-1,-3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in cartilage and synovium of traumatic osteoarthritis model

Objective: To observe the influence of intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate (HA) on the mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-1,-3 (MMP-1,-3) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in cartilage and synovium of traumatic osteoarthritis (OA).Methods: Sixteen white rabbits underwent unilateral anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) were divided into 2 groups randomly 5 weeks after transection. The experimental group rabbits received 0.3 ml of 1% HA by intra-articular injection once a week. Animals in the control group were treated under the same conditions using physiological saline. Ten weeks following surgery, cartilage and synovium were harvested. The mRNA expressions of MMP-1, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 were analyzed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results: In synovium, the mRNA expression of MMP-3 was suppressed in the HA injection group. HA treatment had no effect on the MMP-3 expression in cartilage. No significant difference of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 expressions in cartilage and synovium was found between the HA injection group and the control group.Conclusions: One of the mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of HA may be the inhibition of expression of MMP-3 in synovium during early stage of traumatic OA.

Effect of warming Yang and removing blood stasis method on matrix metalloproteinases/tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases levels secreted by cultured endometrial cells from patients with endometriosis

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Chinese medicines using the warming Yang and removing blood stasis method on levels of matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)/tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases(TIMPs) secreted by cultured endometrial cells from patients with endometriosis.METHODS:Ectopic and eutopic endometrial cells obtaind from 15 endometriosis patients were cultured in vitro,and divided randomly into five groups:high dose;moderate dose;low dose;nemestran;blank control.The three dose groups were treated with a decoction prepared according to the principle of warming Yang and removing blood stasis;nemestran and 0.9%NaCI were administered to the nemestran group and balnk control group,respectively.Eutopic endometrial cells obtaind from 10 hysteromyoma patients were cultured in vitro,as the normal control group,0.9%NaCI were administered to the normal control group.Cell culture supernatants were collected and levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1),matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2),matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9),tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1) and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2(TIMP-2) detected by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay(ELISA).RESULTS:Compared with the normal control group,levels of MMP-1,MMP-2,and MMP-9 in eutopic and ectopic endometrium cell supernatants in the blank control group were increased,whereas levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were decreased(P <0.05).Compared with the blank control group,levels of MMP-1 and MMP-2 in ectopic and eutopic endometrium cell supernatants cultured in low-dose,middle-dose,and high-dose groups were decreased,whereas levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were increased significantly(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:The warming Yang and removing blood stasis method affects expression of MMPs andTIMPs.

Effect of Ermiao Fang with Xixin(Herba Asari Mandshurici) on bone marrow stem cell directional homing to a focal zone in an osteoarthritis rat model

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Ermiao Fang(EM) with medical guide Xixin(Herba Asari Mandshurici)(HAM) on bone marrow stem cell migration to a focal zone in osteoarthritis(OA) rats.METHODS: OA rats were induced by arthrectomy and assigned to sham-operated, model, EM, or EM plus HAM groups.All rats were injected with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor 30μg·kg-1·d-1for7 days and treated with EMor EM plus HAM at 1.6 or 1.9 g·kg-1·d-1 for 3 or 6 weeks, respectively. Chondrocyte apoptosis and cartilage matrix components were tested by transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling assay and special staining. Levels of interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β) tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α) nitric oxide(NO), and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or radioimmunoassay. Matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)-13,tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases(TIMPs)-1,Bromodeoxyuridine(BrdU), cluster of differentiation 34(CD34), and stromal cell-derived factor 1(SDF-1) were measured by immunohistochemical assay.RESULTS:The EM and EM plus HAM groups had significantly less cartilage damage and synovium inflammation the model group. Moreover, the EM and EM plus HAM groups had less chondrocyte apoptosis and more proteoglycan and collagen content than the model group.The EM and EMplus HAM groups had obviously higher MMPs-13 and TIMPs-1 expression in the cartilage than the model group. Moreover, the two formula groups had less release of IL-1β, TNF-α, NO, and iNOS than model group. Importantly, the expressions of BrdU, CD34,and SDF-1 in cartilage were significantly higher in the EM and EM plus HAM-Medtreated rats than model group. Notably, the EM plus HAM treatment seemed to have the greatest effects.CONCLUSION: HAM improves the therapeutic effects of EM on OA rats by enhancing BMSC directional homing to the focal zone.

Regulatory Action of Charred Gossamer Urocteae on the Functions of Mouse Oral Fibroblasts

Objective： To explore the influence of charred Gossamer urocteae （CGU） on the functions of primary cultured mouse oral fibroblasts and reveal its mechanism in wound healing. Methods： CGU was extracted with different solvents and ethanol extract （EE）, ethyl acetate fraction （EF）, n-butanol fraction （BF） and aqueous fraction （AF） were obtained. The effects of different fractions on the proliferation, matrix metaUoproteinase-2,9 （MMP-2,9） activities, synthesis of collagen and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 （TIMP-1） in the mouse oral fibroblasts were determined by MTT, gelatin zymography, chloramine-T method, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） respectively. Results： EE, EF and BF at high concentrations could significantly inhibit proliferation of fibroblasts （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）, and at low concentrations EF and BF could promote proliferation of fibroblasts, and BF and AF could significantly inhibit collagen synthesis （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. EE, EF and AF at high concentrations could significantly increase the MMP-9 activity, and BF and AF could significantly inhibit synthesis of TIMP-1. Conclusion： CGU at high concentrations can inhibit the proliferations of fibroblasts and synthesis of collagen, and in healing of wound, CGU at high concentrations possibly has the functions of anti-fibrosis and anti-scar, and the mechanism to promote degradation of collagen is possibly related to the increase in MMP-9 activity and the inhibition of TIMP-1 synthesis.