Association between Gene Polymorphisms and SNP-SNP Interactions of the Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 Signaling Pathway and the Risk of Vascular Senescence

Objective This study aimed to explore the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP)in the matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)signaling pathway and the risk of vascular senescence(VS).Methods In this cross-sectional study,between May and November 2022,peripheral venous blood of151 VS patients(case group)and 233 volunteers(control group)were collected.Fourteen SNPs were identified in five genes encoding the components of the MMP-2 signaling pathway,assessed through carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity(cf PWV),and analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.The multigene influence on the risk of VS was assessed using multifactor dimensionality reduction(MDR)and generalized multifactor dimensionality regression(GMDR)modeling.Results Within the multivariate logistic regression models,four SNPs were screened to have significant associations with VS:chemokine(C-C motif)ligand 2(CCL2)rs4586,MMP2 rs14070,MMP2rs7201,and MMP2 rs1053605.Carriers of the T/C genotype of MMP2 rs14070 had a 2.17-fold increased risk of developing VS compared with those of the C/C genotype,and those of the T/T genotype had a19.375-fold increased risk.CCL2 rs4586 and MMP-2 rs14070 exhibited the most significant interactions.Conclusion CCL2 rs4586,MMP-2 rs14070,MMP-2 rs7201,and MMP-2 rs1053605 polymorphisms were significantly associated with the risk of VS.

A single nucleotide polymorphism in the matrix metalloproteinase 2 promoter is closely associated with high risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Cantonese from southern China

Matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2) has been shown to play an important role in several steps of cancer development.The-1306C/T polymorphism of the MMP2 gene displays a strikingly lower promoter activity than the T allele,and the CC genotype in the MMP2 promoter has been reported to associate with the development of several cancers.To assess the contribution of the MMP2-1306C/T polymorphism to the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC),we conducted a case-control study and analyzed MMP2 genotypes in 370 patients with NPC and 390 frequency-matched controls using real-time PCR-based TaqMan allele analysis.We found that subjects with the CC genotype had an increased risk(OR = 1.55,95% CI = 1.05-2.27) of developing NPC compared to those with the CT or TT genotypes.Furthermore,we found that the risk of NPC was markedly increased in subjects who were smokers(OR = 15.04,95% CI = 6.65-33.99),heavy smokers who smoked ≥20 pack-years(OR = 18.66,95% CI = 7.67-45.38),or young(<60 years) at diagnosis(OR = 1.52,95% CI = 1.01-2.29).Our results provide molecular epidemiological evidence that the MMP2-1306C/T promoter polymorphism is associated with NPC risk,and this association is especially noteworthy in heavy smokers.

食管鳞癌组织中MMP-2和E-cadherin的表达及其意义

目的探讨食管鳞癌组织和食管鳞癌细胞系Eca109、EC9706中MMP-2和E-cadherin的表达及其与食管鳞癌临床病理特征的关系。方法应用免疫组化S-P法检测100例食管鳞癌组织及食管鳞癌细胞系Eca109、EC9706中MMP-2和E-cadherin蛋白的表达,应用RT-PCR技术检测两株细胞系中MMP-2 mRNA和E-cadherin mR-NA的表达。结果食管鳞癌组织中MMP-2蛋白阳性率明显高于正常黏膜组织(P<0.01),且与癌组织的分化程度、浸润深度、淋巴结转移密切相关(P<0.05);E-cadherin蛋白在食管鳞癌组织中阳性率明显低于正常黏膜组织(P<0.01),与癌组织分化程度、有无淋巴结转移呈负相关(P<0.05),与浸润深度无明显相关性(P>0.05);MMP-2和E-cadherin在食管鳞癌中的表达呈负相关(P<0.01);细胞系中MMP-2 mRNA和E-cadherin mRNA的表达有显著性差异(P<0.01)。结论食管鳞癌组织中MMP-2呈高表达;E-cadherin呈低表达,二者对食管癌的发生、浸润转移具有相反的调节作用;联合检测其变化可更准确预测食管癌的恶性生物学行为。

E-cadherin、α-catenin和MMP2在膀胱癌中的表达及预后意义

目的 研究钙黏附分子 (E cadherin ,E cad)、α 连接蛋白 (α catenin ,α cat)和基质金属蛋白酶 (MatrixMetallopro teinase 2 ,MMP2 )在膀胱移行细胞癌中的表达及预后意义。方法 应用SP免疫组化染色法 ,检测 96例膀胱移行细胞癌和 10例正常膀胱黏膜E cad、α cat及MMP2的表达情况。结果 正常膀胱黏膜E cad、α cat呈正常表达 ,MMP2为阴性 ;96例膀胱移行细胞癌中E cad及α cat的异常表达率分别为 4 4 8% (43/96 )和 5 8 3% (5 6 /96 ) ,MMP2阳性表达为 5 3 1%(5 1/96 )。E cad和α cat的异常表达率、MMP2的阳性表达率与肿瘤的病理分级、临床分期及生存率显著相关。结论 E cad、α cat和MMP2在膀胱移行细胞癌的演变过程中起重要作用 ,可作为监测肿瘤恶性程度和判断预后的指标。

MMP2和E-cadherin表达在膀胱癌中的侵袭效应

目的 探讨基质金属蛋白酶 2MatrixMetalloproteinase 2 (MMP2 )和钙粘附分子E cadherin(E CD)在膀胱移行细胞癌表达及侵袭效应。方法 应用S -P免疫组化染色法 ,检测 10例正常膀胱粘膜 ,96例膀胱移行细胞癌MMP2和E CD表达情况。结果 正常粘膜MMP2呈阴性表达 ,在膀胱移行细胞癌Ⅰ级、Ⅱ级、Ⅲ级阳性表达分别为2 3 % (7/3 0 )、5 8.3 % (2 1/3 6)、76.7% (2 3 /3 0 ) ,三组之间差异显著 (P <0 .0 1) ,正常粘膜E CD呈强阳性表达 ,膀胱移行细胞癌Ⅰ级、Ⅱ级、Ⅲ级正常表达分别为 86.7% (2 6/3 0 )、5 2 .8% (19/3 6)、2 6.7(8/3 0 ) ,三组之间差异显著 (P <0 .0 1)。结论 MMP2阳性表达和E CD的异常表达与膀胱移行细胞癌病理分级、浸润深度及生存率密切相关 ,检测MMP2和E CD的表达有助于判定膀胱移行细胞癌侵袭能力。

胃癌中E-cadherin、MMP-2的表达及侵袭转移机制

目的通过检测E-cadherin和MMP-2蛋白在胃癌中的表达,探讨它们在肿瘤转移和侵袭过程中的作用。方法取胃癌组织50例,正常胃黏膜10例;应用SP法免疫组化检测E-cadherin、MMP-2蛋白的表达。结果 (1)胃癌组织中E-cadherin蛋白的阳性表达率为46%(23/50),明显低于正常黏膜100%(10/10,P<0.001)。转移组阳性表达率为35.29%(12/34)明显低于非转移组68.75%(11/16),差异有显著性(P<0.05)。与临床分期、浸润分级的关系显示,Ⅲ-Ⅳ期和T3-T4级癌组织中E-cadherin蛋白表达分别明显低于Ⅰ-Ⅱ期和T1-T2级(P<0.05)。E-cadherin表达还与组织学分级相关:胃癌分化程度低则阳性表达率也低;分化程度高则阳性表达率也高,差异有显著性(P<0.05)。(2)MMP-2在胃癌组织中阳性表达率为74%(37/50),而正常胃黏膜上皮细胞中几乎无棕染颗粒,其差异有显著性(P<0.05)。转移组MMP-2阳性表达率(82.35%)明显高于非转移组(56.25%,P<0.05)。MMP-2的表达与组织学分级明显相关:随着胃癌分化程度降低,MMP-2阳性表达率升高(P<0.05);Ⅲ-Ⅳ期胃癌表达明显高于Ⅰ-Ⅱ期(P<0.05);T3-T4级MMP-2阳性表达率高于T1-T2级(P<0.001)。(3)MMP-2与E-cadherin表达之间呈高度负相关(相关系数r=-0.368,P<0.009)。结论 MMP-2在胃癌中均呈高表达,而E-cadherin则反之。E-cadherin蛋白表达减弱与胃癌侵袭转移潜能相关,可作为胃癌侵袭转移的生物学标志之一。

血清sE-cadherin、LCN-2、MMP-9联合检测在乳腺癌早期诊断中的应用

目的:研究血清可溶性上皮钙黏蛋白(soluble E-cadherin,sE-cadherin)、脂质运载蛋白-2(lipocalin-2,LCN-2)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(matrix metalloproteinase-9,MMP-9)联合检测在乳腺癌早期诊断中的应用价值。方法:对2017年01月至2018年01月期间于我院就诊的乳腺良性病变患者、乳腺癌患者及同期于我院体检健康者各112例,检测血清sE-cadherin、LCN-2、MMP-9水平,分析三者联合检测的诊断效能。结果:乳腺癌组的血清sE-cadherin、LCN-2、MMP-9水平均高于乳腺良性病变组和对照组(P<0.05);sE-cadherin+LCN-2+MMP-9平行联合检测的敏感度、特异度、准确度依次为94.64%、70.54%、82.59%,均高于任意两者平行联合检测;sE-cadherin+LCN-2+MMP-9系列联合检测的敏感度、特异度、准确度依次为83.93%、74.11%、79.02%,均高于任意两者系列联合检测;sE-cadherin+LCN-2、LCN-2+MMP-9、sE-cadherin+MMP-9、sE-cadherin+LCN-2+MMP-9平行联合检测的ROC曲线下面积依次为0.736、0.714、0.654、0.820,系列联合检测的ROC曲线下面积依次为0.728、0.710、0.675、0.855,三者平行或系列联合检测的曲线下面积均高于sE-cadherin+LCN-2、LCN-2+MMP-9、sE-cadherin+MMP-9(P<0.05)。结论:血清sE-cadherin、LCN-2和MMP-9水平平行联合检测能够大幅度提高诊断的灵敏度,特异度与系列联合检测相比仅略有下降,且二者ROC曲线下面积接近,因此平行联合检测更加有效的提高诊断效能,对乳腺癌早期诊断具有积极的临床应用价值。

Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ,E-cadherin and matrix metalloproteinases-2 in gastric carcinoma and lymph node metastases

Background Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ （PPARγ） is a ligand-activated transcription factor. Activation of PPARγ has recently been demonstrated to inhibit various tumor cells growth, progression and metastasis. E-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion system is now considered to be an “invasion suppressor system” in cancer tissues. Matrix metalloproteinases-2 （MMP-2） is a prerequisite for metastasizing tumor cells. However their correlation is still unknown in gastric carcinoma. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of PPAR7, E-cadherin, MMP-2 and their correlation in gastric carcinoma and metastases. Methods Gastric carcinoma tissues and their corresponding lymph nodes with metastases and the adjacent non-tumor tissues were obtained from 54 patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy. Expression of PPARγ, E-cadherin and MMP-2 was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Results The nuclear expression level of PPARγ in neoplastic cells was significantly lower than that in the normal controls （P〈0.001）, with the expression of PPARγ being weaker in primary tumors compared with that in metastases. In all neoplastic cells, E-cadherin was expressed with abnormal patterns （cytoplasm pattern, cytoplasm and membrane pattern or absent）, compared with normal cells where E-cadherin was expressed with a normal pattern （membrane pattern）. Compared with the normal tissues, the expression level of E-cadherin decreased in primary tumors and further decreased in metastases （P〈0.001）. Membrane staining of MMP-2 was detected in the foveolar epithelia of normal gastric mucosa, whereas predominant cytoplasm staining of MMP-2 was found in malignant tissues. The expression of MMP-2 was stronger in metastatic tissues than in primary tumors. In neoplastic foci the expression of PPARγ was negatively correlated with MMP-2 expression （P〈0.05）. However, there was no correlation between E-cadherin and PPARγ or MM P-2 expression. Conclusions Down-regulation of PPARγ and E-cadherin and up-regulation of MMP-2 in neoplastic foci might be helpful to gastric carcinogenesis and metastases. An inverse relationship between PPARγ and MMP-2 in human gastric carcinoma suggests that PPARγ might modulate MMP-2 expression and affect gastric cancer metastases.

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.

Do different bariatric surgical procedures influence plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2,-7,and-9 among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus?

BACKGROUND Bariatric surgery is an efficient strategy for body weight and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2 DM) management. Abnormal lipid deposition in visceral organs,especially the pancreas and liver, might cause beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. Extracellular matrix(ECM) remodeling allows adipose expansion, and matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) play essential roles in ECM construction.MMP-2 and MMP-9 are the substrates of MMP-7. Different studies have reported that MMP-2,-7, and-9 increase in patients with obesity and metabolic syndromes or T2 DM and are considered biomarkers in obesity and hyperglycemia patients.AIMTo prospectively investigate whether MMP-2, MMP-7, and MMP-9 differ after two bariatric surgeries: Gastric bypass(GB) and sleeve gastrectomy(SG).METHODS We performed GB in 23 and SG in 19 obese patients with T2 DM. We measured body weight, waist circumference, body mass index(BMI), and serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood sugar(FBS),hemoglobin A1 c(Hb A1 c), C-peptide, homeostasis model assessments of insulin resistance, and MMP-2, MMP-7, and MMP-9 levels at baseline and at 3, 12, and 24 mo post-operation.RESULTS Twenty-three patients aged 44.7 ± 9.7 years underwent GB, and 19 patients aged40.1 ± 9.1 years underwent SG. In the GB group, BMI decreased from 30.3 ± 3.4 to24.4 ± 2.4 kg/m2, Hb A1 c decreased from 9.2% ± 1.5% to 6.7% ± 1.4%, and FBS decreased from 171.6 ± 65.0 mg/d L to 117.7 ± 37.5 mg/d L 2 years post-operation(P < 0.001). However, the MMP-2, MMP-7, and MMP-9 levels pre-and post-GB were similar even 2 years post-operation(P = 0.107, 0.258, and 0.466,respectively). The SG group revealed similar results: BMI decreased from 36.2 ±5.1 to 26.9 ± 4.7 kg/m2, Hb A1 c decreased from 7.9% ± 1.7% to 5.8% ± 0.6%, and FBS decreased from 138.3 ± 55.6 mg/d L to 95.1 ± 3.1 mg/d L(P < 0.001). The serum MMP-2,-7, and-9 levels pre-and post-SG were not different(P = 0.083,0.869, and 0.1, respectively).CONCLUSION Improvements in obesity and T2 DM induced by bariatric surgery might be the result of MMP-2,-7, or-9 independent pathways.

Correlation of RECK with Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 in Regulation of Trophoblast Invasion of Early Pregnancy

To study the role of the reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs （RECK） gene and matrix metalloproteinase-2 （MMP-2） in the regulation of trophoblast invasion of early pregnancy. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and gelatin zymography were used to detect the RECK protein expression localization, expression level and MMP-2 activation level in the placental tissues harvested from 52 normal pregnant women （27 in the early pregnancy, 25 in the term pregnancy）. Immunohistochemistry showed that RECK expression was found both in villous tissues of early pregnancy group and term pregnancy group and was mainly observed in cell membrane and cytoplasm of cytotrophoblasts and syneytiotrophoblasts. RECK expression increased with gestational time. RECK expression of early pregnancy group was significantly lower than that of term pregnancy group （P〈0.05）. RECK expression was significantly lower in cellular column （CC） with invasion ability. Western blot showed that the RECK protein expression in early pregnancy group was significantly lower than that in term pregnancy （P〈0.05）. The optical density values of RECK protein expression in early pregnancy group and term pregnancy group were 1.35±0.14 and 2.68±0.26, respectively, while MMP-2 activation ratio was contrary to RECK protein expression and decreased with the gestation time （P〈0.01）. The MMP-2 activation ratios of early pregnancy group and term pregnancy group were 0.46±0.05 and 0.10±0.02, respectively. The expression of the tumor inhibitory gene RECK was positively related with the invasion ability of trophoblasts, while the invasion gene MMP-2 was negatively related with the ability. The interaction between RECK and MMP-2 may play an important role in the regulation of the trophoblast invasion in early pregnancy.

Distribution and relative activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in human coronal dentin

The presence of matrix metalloproteinase-2 （MMP-2） in dentin has been reported, but its distribution and activity level in mature human coronal dentin are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the MMP-2 distribution and relative activity in demineralized dentin. Crowns of twenty eight human molars were sectioned into inner （ID）, middle （MD）, and outer dentin （OD） regions and demineralized. MMP-2 was extracted with 0.33 mol·L-1 EDTA/2 mol·L-1 guanidine-HCl, pH 7.4, and MMP-2 concentration was estimated with enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay （ELISA）. Further characterization was accomplished by Western blotting analysis and gelatin zymography. The mean concentrations of MMP-2 per mg dentin protein in the dentin regions were significantly different （P=0.043）： 0.9 ng （ID）, 0.4 ng （MD）, and 2.2 ng （OD）, respectively. The pattern of MMP-2 concentration was OD〉ID〉MD. Western blotting analysis detected -66 and -72 kDa immunopositive proteins corresponding to pro- and mature MMP-2, respectively, in the ID and MD, and a -66 kDa protein in the OD. Gelatinolytic activity consistent with MMP-2 was detected in all regions. Interestingly, the pattern of levels of Western blot immunodetection and gelatinolytic activity was MD〉ID〉OD. The eoneentration of MMP-2 in human coronal dentin was highest in the region of dentin that contains the dentinoenamel junction and least in the middle region of dentin. However, levels of Western blot immunodetection and gelatinolytic activity did not correlate with the estimated regional concentrations of MMP-2, potentially indicating region specific protein interactions.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factorl65-regulated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Lines Invasion and Migration Involve Expression and Activation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2

The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） overexpression on matrix metalloproteinase-2 （MMP-2） in nasopharyngeal carcinoma （NPC） cells in vitro and the possible mechanism involved were investigated, and the correlation between the expression of VEGF and MMP-2 in NPC evaluated. The NPC cells were transfected with PAd-trackVEGF165 plasmid. The expression levels of VEGF and MMP-2 mRNA and protein in NPC cells were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. It was found that the expression of VEGF and MMP-2 mRNA and protein was significantly increased in NPC cells after transfection of VEGF 165. It was concluded that the expression of VEGF was correlated to the in vitro invasion of NPC cells, and the induction of MMP-2 by VEGF was a key process of NPC cell invasion.

Immunohistochemical Studies of the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and Metalloproteinase-9 in Human Prostate Cancer

To study the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 in human prostate cancer, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 were immunohistochemically detected in tissues of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Our results showed that matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 levels in prostate cancer were much higher than those in tissues of BPH, with the cancer invasion being positively correlated with the expression of the metalloproteinases. It is concluded that matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 are better molecular markers, which are of help in the diagnosis and prediction of prognosis of prostate cancer.

Differences of Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 Expression between Left and Right Ventricles in Response to Nandrolone Decanoate and/or Swimming Training in Mice

Background： Matrix metalloproteinase （MMP）-2 plays an important role in the remodeling of left ventricles （LVs） and right ventricles （RVs）. We investigated the differences of MMP-2 expression between LV and RV in response to nandrolone dccanoate （ND）, swimming training （ST）, and combined ND and ST （NS） in mice, based on their structural, functional, and biochemical characteristics. Methods： Totally 28 male C57B1 mice （6 weeks old; 20-23 g） were divided into four groups, including the control （n = 7）, ND （n = 6）, ST （n = 8）, and NS （n = 7） groups. After respective treatments for 8 weeks, echocardiographic examination was used to assess the cardiac structure and function. Van Gieson stain was used to examine the fibrosis of LV and RV in response to different treatments, and Western blotting analysis was performed to explore different MMP-2 expressions between LV and RV in response to ND and/or ST. Analysis of variance was used for comparing the four groups. Results： At 8 weeks, right ventricular dimension/body weight in the ND group was larger than the other three groups （F = 7.12, P 〈 0.05） according to the echocardiographic examination. Fibrosis induced by ND administration was increased more in RV （2.59%） than that in LV （2.21%）. MMP-2 expression of the ND group in RV was significantly greater than the control and NS groups in RV and the corresponding ND group in LV. Conclusion： The experimental data support the hypothesis that ND administration induces greater MMP-2 expression increase in RV compared to LV, leading to consequent RV dilation.

Human ciliary muscle cell responses to kinins:Activation of ERK1/2 and pro-matrix metalloproteinases secretion

AIM To study activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2(ERK1/2) and pro-matrix metalloproteinases(pro-MMPs) secretion from isolated primary human ciliary muscle(h-CM) cells in response to bradykinin(BK) and other agonists. METHODS Serum-starved h-CM cells were challenged with vehicle, BK agonists or antagonists. Cell lysates were evaluated for phosphorylated ERK1/2 using homogeneous timeresolved fluorescence technology based on a sandwich immunoassay. Rabbit polyclonal anti-pro-MMP antibodies were used to measure pro-MMPs using immunoblot analysis.RESULTS A 10 min incubation time using 5 × 104 h-CM cells/well was optimum condition for studying stimulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. BK(100 nmol/L) caused a 1.86 ± 0.26 fold(n = 3) increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation above baseline. BK analogs, Met-Lys-BK and RMP-7(100 nmol/L), also stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation by 1.57 ± 0.04 and 1.55 ± 0.09 fold, respectively. However, DesArg9-Bradykinin, a B1 receptor-selective agonist(0.1-1 μmol/L), was essentially inactive. HOE-140 or WIN-64338(B2-antagonists) appreciably blocked phosphorylation of ERK1/2 induced by various BK agonists. Pre-treatmentof cells with a prostaglandin(PG) synthase inhibitor(bromfenac; 1 μmol/L) failed to alter kinin-induced ERK1/2 activation. BK and a non-peptide BK agonist(FR-190997)(10 nmol/L-1 μmol/L) also enhanced pro-MMPs secretion(pro-MMP-1 > pro-MMP-3 > pro-MMP-2; 1.45-1.75-fold over baseline) from h-CM cells. CONCLUSION These collective data suggest that B2 kinin receptors initiate signaling in h-CM cells by a relatively rapid mechanism(within minutes) involving ERK1/2 activation which in turn regulates MMPs production(within hours). The latter process does not involve PGs.

EXPRESSION OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE-2 AND VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR IN HUMAN GLIOMA AND THEIR RELATION TO THE INVASION OF THE TUMOR

Objective To study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in different grade human glioma. To investigate their relation to the pathological grade and invasion of the tumor. Methods The expression of MMP-2 and VEGF were determined by immunohistochemical technique in 48 cases of human glioma and 10 specimens of normal brain tissue. Results The expression levels of MMP-2 and VEGF in human glioma were positively related to tumor grades (P<0.01), and their expressions in the glioma of grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ were significantly different from those in the glioma of grade Ⅰ-Ⅱand normal brain tissue (P<0.01). The expression of MMP-2 was positively correlated to that of VEGF (P<0.01). Conclusion MMP-2 and VEGF were highly expression in human glioma and were positively related to the tumor grades. The synergic interaction of MMP-2 and VEGF promoted the angiogenesis and invasion of human glioma.

Integrin αvβ6 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 correlate with survival in gastric cancer

AIM: To investigate the expression of integrin αvβ6 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), their association with prognostic factors and to assess their predictive role in gastric cancer patients.METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expressions of integrin αvβ6 and MMP-9 in 126 specimens from patients with primary gastric carcinoma. Associations between immunohistochemical staining and various clinic pathologic variables of tissue specimens were evaluated by the χ2 test and Fisher’s exact test. Expression correlation of αvβ6 and MMP-9 was assessed using bivariate correlation analysis. The patients were followed-up every 3 mo in the first two years and at least every 6 mo afterwards, with a median follow-up of 56 mo (ranging from 2 mo to 94 mo). Four different combinations of αvβ6 and MMP-9 levels (that is, both markers positive, both markers negative, αvβ6 positive with MMP-9 negative, and αvβ6 negative with MMP-9 positive) were evaluated for their relative effect on survival. The difference in survival curves was evaluated with a log-rank test. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazards model analysis.RESULTS: The expressions of integrin αvβ6 and MMP-9 were investigated in 126 cases, among which 34.92% were positive for αvβ6 expression, and 42.06% for MMP-9 expression. The expression of αvβ6 was associated with Lauren type, differentiation, N stage, and TNM stage (the P values were 0.006, 0.038, 0.016, and 0.002, respectively). While MMP-9 expression was associated with differentiation, T stage, N stage, and TNM stage (the P values were 0.039, 0.014, 0.033, and 0.008, respectively). The positive correlation between αvβ6 and MMP-9 in gastric cancer was confirmed by a correlation analysis. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with expression of αvβ6 or MMP-9 alone died earlier than those with negative expression and that patients who were both αvβ6 and MMP-9 positive had a shorter overall survival than those with the opposite pattern (both αvβ6 and MMP-9 negative) (P = 0.000). A Cox model indicated that positive expression of αvβ6 and MMP-9, diffuse Lauren type, as well as a senior grade of N stage, M stage, and TNM stage were predictors of a poor prognosis in univariate analysis. Only αvβ6 and MMP-9 retained their significance when adjustments were made for other known prognostic factors in multivariate analysis (RR = 2.632, P = 0.003 and RR = 1.813, P = 0.007).CONCLUSION: The expression of αvβ6 and MMP-9 are closely correlated, and the combinational pattern of αvβ6 and MMP-9 can serve as a more effective prognostic index for gastric cancer patients.