Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 expression in early focal cerebral infarction following urokinase thrombolysis in rats

Activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 increases following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, and is associated with cerebral microvascular permeability, blood-brain barrier destruction, inflammatory cell infiltration and brain edema. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 also likely participates in thrombolysis. A rat model of middle cerebral artery infarction was established by injecting autologous blood clots into the internal carotid artery. At 3 hours following model induction, urokinase was injected into the caudal vein. Decreased neurological severity score, reduced infarct volume, and increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 were observed in the cerebral cortex 24 hours after urokinase thrombolysis. These results suggest that urokinase can suppress damage in the acute-early stage of cerebral infarction.

Expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor

BACKGROUND： Matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9） can degrade collagen IV （the main structural ingredient of basilar membrane）, and it also plays an important role in tumor vascularization, tumor cell progression, formation of metastatic focus, etc. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 （T1MP-1） can bind with MMP-9 to form 1 ： 1 compound and inhibit its activity, and can negatively regulate the tumor progression and metastasis. OBJECTIVE： To analyze the relationship of MMP-9 and T1MP-1 expressions with the pathological grade, metastasis and prognosis of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor （MPNST）. DESIGN： An observational comparative experiment. SETTING： Heze Medical College. PARTICIPANTS： Fifty-eight surgical pathological samples, which were clearly diagnosed to be MPNST, were collected from the pathological laboratory archives in the Department of Pathology, Heze Municipal Hospital from January 1988 to December 2003. The MPNST pathological types were common tumor in 53 cases, malignant triton tumor in 2 cases, epithelial MPNST in 2 cases and MPNST with gland differentiation in 1 case. The pathological grade was grade 1 in 11 cases, grade 2 in 24 cases and grade 3 in 23 cases. Besides, the resected tumor samples of 20 patients with benign peripheral nerve tumor （10 cases of nerve sheath tumor and 10 cases of neurofibromatosis） and the normal peripheral nerves （by-products of some surgeries） of 5 patients were also collected. The samples were used with the approval of the patients. Rat-anti-human MMP-9, TIMP-1 monoclonal antibody and S-P kit were purchased from Fuzhou Maixin Biotechnology, Co.,Ltd. METHODS： The documented paraffin blocks were again prepared to sections of 5 lJ m. The expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the samples were detected with mmunohistochemical S-P method. The relationships of the MPNST severity, recurrence, metastasis and survival rate with the expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Relationships of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expressions with the MPNST severity and prognosis. RESULTS： ①Expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in three tissues： MMP-9 and TIMP-1 stainings were mainly observed in cytoplasm. Among the 58 MPNST patients, the MMP-9 expression was significantly higher than those in normal peripheral nerve and benign tumor （P 〈 0.05）, while the TIMP-1 expression in MPNST was lower than those in normal peripheral nerve and benign tumor （P 〈 0.05）. ②Relationship of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expressions with the severity and prognosis of MPNST： The expressions of both proteins were observed in the four subtypes. The positive expression of MMP-9 in the MPNST patients of grades 2 - 3 was significantly higher than that in the MPNST patients of grade 1 （P 〈 0.05）, while the expression of MMP-9 was significantly lower than that in the MPNST patients of grade 1 （P 〈 0.05）. The metastatic rate was positively correlated with MMP-9 expression （r =1.696, P 〈 0.05）, but negatively correlated with TIMP-1 expression （r = - 2.125, P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： MMP-9 and TIMP-1 are associated with MPNST pathological grades and metastasis, and can be used as the indicators for judging the severity and orognosis of MPNST.

Imbalance of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor-1 may contribute to hemorrhage in cerebellar arteriovenous malformations

In this study, we determined the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 and matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor-1 and -2 in brain tissues and blood plasma of patients undergoing surgery for cerebellar arteriovenous malformations or primary epilepsy （control group）. Immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor-1 was significantly higher in patients with cerebellar arteriovenous malformations than in patients with primary epilepsy. The ratio of matrix metalloproteinase-9 to matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor-1 was significantly higher in patients with hemorrhagic cerebellar arteriovenous malformations compared with those with non-hemorrhagic malformations. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor-2 levels were not significantly changed. These findings indicate that an imbalance of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor-I, resulting in a relative overabundance of matrix metalloproteinase-9, might be the underlying mechanism of hemorrhage of cerebellar arteriovenous malformations.

Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 associated with gastric ulcer recurrence

AIM: To compare matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in gastric ulcer (GU) and chronic superficial gastritis (CSG). METHODS: This study enrolled 63 patients with GU and 25 patients with CSG. During upper gastroduodenal endoscopy, we took samples of gastric mucosa from the antrum and ulcer site from patients with GU, and samples of antral mucosa from patients with CSG. Mucosal biopsy tissues were cultured for 24 h, and the culture supernatant was measured for levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1. After receiving eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori ) and 8 wk proton-pump inhibitor therapy for GU, follow-up endoscopy examination was performed after 6 mo and whenever severe symptoms occurred. RESULTS: Levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 at the ulcer site or in the antrum were significantly higher in GU than CSG patients. MMP-9 levels at the ulcer site were significantly higher than in the antrum in GU patients, and had a significantly positive correlation with TIMP-1. MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in H. pylori -positive than H. pylori -negative GU and CSG patients. Levels of MMP-9 or TIMP-1 at the ulcer site were associated with the histological severity of activity and inflammation. About 57 GU patients were followed up, and seven had GU recurrence. H. pyloriinfection and MMP-9 levels were risk factors for the recurrence of GU adjusted for age and sex by multiple logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: MMP-9 may perform an important function in gastric ulcer formation and recurrence.

Effects of Fengbaisan(丰白散) on the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 in Lung Tissue of Rats with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective： To observe effects of Fengbaisan （丰白散, FBS） on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9） and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 （TIMP-1） in lung tissue of rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） and to investigate the preventive and therapeutic mechanisms of FBS. Methods： The COPD rat model was established by cigarette smoke exposure and lipopolysaccharide （LPS） intra-tracheal dripping. The histopathological changes of lung tissue was observed via hematoxylin/eosin staining. The expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in lung tissue was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and immunohistochemistry. Results： The typical histopathological changes of COPD were displayed in the model group, Ambroxol Hydrochloride group and FBS group, and the pathological lesions in the FBS group were less than those in the model group. The expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the model group increased significantly compared with those in the normal group （P〈0.05）. After treatment for successive 28 days, the expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the FBS group decreased remarkably as compared with the model group （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： FBS can regulate MMP-9/TIMP-1 imbalance to prevent airway and lung parenchyma remodeling process via reducing the expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the lung tissue of COPD rats, and this may be a possible therapeutic mechanism of FBS on COPD. KEYWORDS chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Fengbaisan, matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, airway remodeling, Chinese medicine

Effect of angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blocker on glucose-induced mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in rat mesangial cells

Background The decreased degradation of extra-cellular matrix proteins plays an important role in the onset of diabetic nephropathy. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9） and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 （TIMP-1）, which are members of the matrix metalloproteinase family, are associated with this process. Angiotensin Ⅱ （AⅡ） plays an important role in the development of diabetic nephropathy also. This research aimed to investigate the effect of angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blocker on glucose-induced mRNA expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in rat mesangial cells. Methods Rat mesangial cells were cultured and divided into 5 groups： normal glucose （group NG）, high glucose （group HG）, group NG＋AⅡ, NG＋AⅡ＋saralasin （group NG＋AⅡ＋S, saralasin is the AⅡ receptor blocker） and HG＋saralasin （group HG＋S）. After the cells were incubated for 24 hours, AⅡ concentrations in the supernatant were measured by radioimmunoassay and the expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA was assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. Results AⅡ concentrations were higher in group HG （（56.90±13.54） pg/ml） and group HG＋S （（51.30±5.96） pg/ml） than in group NG （（37.89±8.62） pg/ml, P〈0.05）, whereas there was no significant difference between group HG and group HG＋S. The expression of MMP-9 mRNA and MMP-9/TIMP-1 mRNA ratio in group NG＋AⅡ （MMP-9, 0.33±0.04; MMP-9/TIMP-1, 0.40±0.06） and group HG （MMP-9, 0.36±0.02; MMP-9/TIMP-1, 0.45±0.03） were decreased more significantly than those in group NG （MMP-9, 0.72±0.02; MMP-9/TIMP-1, 1.21±0.07）. These values in group NG＋AⅡ＋S （MMP-9, 0.71±0.02; MMP-9/TIMP-1, 1.18±0.05） were higher than those in group NG＋AⅡ, and the values in group HG＋S （MMP-9, 0.71＋0.02; MMP-9/TIMP-1, 1.16±0.05） were higher than those in group HG （all were P〈0.05）. TIMP-1 mRNA expression was increased more significantly in group NG＋AⅡ （0.81±0.03） and group HG （0.80±0.03） than in group NG （0.59±0.02）, but it was lower in group NG＋AⅡ＋S （0.60±0.01） than in group NG＋AⅡ and also lower in group HG＋S （0.61±0.01） than in group HG （all were P〈0.05）. Conclusions High glucose stimulates AⅡ production. Both high glucose and AⅡ induce a decrease in MMP-9 mRNA expression and MMP-9/TIMP-1 mRNA ratio as well as an increase in TIMP-1 mRNA expression, which can be reversed by saralasin, suggesting that high glucose can aggravate impaired matrix degradation by altering gene expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and that the effect of high glucose may be mediated by AⅡ.

Correlations between papillary thyroid cancer and peripheral blood levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2

Background The relationship between the presence of metalloproteinases and thyroid cancer remains unknown, and many controversies still exist in this field. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlations between papillary thyroid cancer and peripheral blood levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and tissue inhibitor of metall0Proteinase-2. Methods The correlations were studied bY detecting the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloProteinase-1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction in the peripheral blood of 30 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma, 27 patients with benign thyroid disease, and 25 hea !hy vo!unteers. Results The leve!s of matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 in the peripheral blood of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma were significantly higher than those in the peripheral blood of patients with benign thyroid disease and healthy volunteers （P 〈0.05）. However, there were no significant differences between patients with benign thyroid disease and healthy volunteers （P 〉0.05）. The accuracy of detection by both enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction in the papillary thyroid cancer group was 83.33%. Conclusions The levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 in the peripheral blood are helpful in identifying thyroid carcinoma and aid in preoperative assessment.

Duodenal-jejunal bypass surgery on type 2 diabetic rats reduces the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in the thoracic aorta

Background Bariatric surgery offers a productive resolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM）.The development of T2DM vasculopathy is due to chronic inflammation,which increases matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9） and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 （TIMP-1） expression.This study sought to examine MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression in the thoracic aorta after duodenal-jejunal bypass （DJB） surgery on a T2DM rat model induced by a high-fat diet and low dose streptozotocin （STZ）.Methods Twenty-one T2DM Wistar rats induced by high-fat diet and low dose STZ were randomly divided into DJB and sham duodenal-jejunal bypass （S-DJB） groups.Ten Wistar rats were fed a normal diet as a control.Recovery of gastrointestinal function post-operation and resumption of a normal diet completed the experiment.Body weight,blood glucose,blood lipid levels,and MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression levels in aortic endothelial cells were measured throughout.Results DJB rats showed significant weight loss 2 weeks post-operation compared with S-DJB rats.After surgery,DJB rats showed significant improvement and steady glycemic control with improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.They also exhibited improved lipid metabolism with a decrease in fasting free fatty acids （FFAs） and triglycerides （all P ＜0.05）.Immunohistochemistry showed decreased MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression 12 weeks after surgery （P ＜ 0.01）.Conclusions DJB surgery on an induced T2DM rat model improves blood glucose levels and lipids,following a high-fat diet and low dose STZ treatment.In addition,DJB decreased MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression in vascular endothelial cells,which may play an important role in delaying the development of T2DM vascular disease.

Association and prognostic significance of alpha-L-fucosidase-1 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Alpha-L-fucosidase-1(FUCA1)has been demonstrated to play opposing regulatory roles in adenocarcinoma and non-adenocarcinoma.Moreover,recent studies reported that FUCA1 could decrease the invasion capability by downregulating matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9)expression.However,the potential role and prognostic significance of FUCA1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)have not yet been explored.AIM To evaluate the status,association,and prognostic value of FUCA1 and MMP-9 expression in ESCC.METHODS Patients who underwent esophagectomy for ESCC between January 1,2014,and December 31,2014 at Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center were enrolled.The expression status of FUCA1 and MMP-9 in cancerous tissues was detected using immunohistochemistry.In addition,the expression profiles of the FUCA1 and MMP-9 genes in non-metastatic ESCC were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database.RESULTS High expression of FUCA1 and MMP-9 was found in 90 patients(75.6%)and 62 patients(52.1%),respectively.In the high FUCA1 expression group,the constituent ratios of patients with stage III disease(61.1%vs 37.9%,P=0.029),lymphatic invasion(62.2%vs 31.0%,P=0.003),and high MMP-9 expression(60.0%vs 27.6%,P=0.002)were significantly higher than those in the low FUCA1 expression group.In Kaplan-Meier univariate analysis,advanced tumor-nodemetastasis stage(III,P=0.001),positive regional lymph node metastasis(N+,P=0.002),high FUCA1 expression(P=0.001),and high MMP-9 expression(P=0.002)were potential predictors of shorter overall survival(OS),which was similar to the results analyzed based on the TCGA database.Further Cox multivariate regression analyses still demonstrated that FUCA1 and MMP-9 expression levels were independent prognostic factors of OS[hazard ratio(HR):0.484,95%confidence interval(CI):0.239-0.979;P=0.044;and HR:0.591,95%CI:0.359-0.973,P=0.039,respectively].CONCLUSION FUCA1 cooperation with MMP-9 may have a major role in affecting the ESCC invasion and metastatic capability,and serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker in ESCC.

Increased Expression and Activity of MMP-9 in C-reactive Protein-induced Human THP-1 Mononuclear Cells Is Related to Activation of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B

The relation between the expression and activity of MMP-9 in C-reactive protein （CRP）-induced human THP-1 mononuclear cells and the activation of nuclear factor kappa-B （NF-κB） was studied to investigate the possible role of CRP in plaque destabilization. Human THP-1 cells were incubated in the presence of CRP at 0 （control group）, 25, 50 and 100 μg/mL （CRP groups） for 24 h. In PDTC （a specific NF-κB inhibitor） group, the cells were pre-treated with PDTC at 10 μmol/L and then with 100 μg/mL CRP. The conditioned media （CM） and human THP-1 cells in different groups were harvested. MMP-9 expression in CM and human THP-1 cells was measured by ELISA and Western blotting. MMP-9 activity was assessed by fluorogenic substrates. The expression of NF-κB inhibitor α （IκB-α） and NF-κB p65 was detected by Western blotting and ELISA respectively. The results showed that CRP increased the expression and activity of MMP-9 in a dose-dependent manner in the human THP-1 cells. Western blotting revealed that IiB-α expression was decreased in the cells with the concentrations of CRP and ELISA demonstrated that NF-κB p65 expression in the CRP-induced cells was increased. After pre-treatment of the cells with PDTC at 10 μmol/L, the decrease in IκB-α expression and the increase in NF-κB p65 expression in the CRP-induced cells were inhibited, and the expression and activity of MMP-9 were lowered too. It is concluded that increased expression and activity of MMP-9 in CRP-induced human THP-1 cells may be associated with activation of NF-κB. Down-regulation of the expression and activity of MMP-9 may be a new treatment alternative for plaque stabilization by inhibiting the NF-κB activation.

The serum levels of MMP-9, sICAM-1, CRP and WBC increased in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Objective：To evaluate the association of the peripheral levels of the defined inflammatory markers with different types of acute coronary syndrome （ACS） and stable angina, and the role inflammation played in the pathogenesis of ACS. Methods ：For understanding the variation of serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9）, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （sICAM-1） ,C-reactive protein （CRP）, and white blood cell count （WBC） and their association with ACS, 90 patients with coronary heart disease （CHD） and 30 healthy volunteers were recruited. The enrolled people were assigned into four equal groups, including acute myocardial infarction （AMI） group, unstable angina pectoris（UAP） group, stable angina pectoris（SAP） group and healthy control group. The serum levels of MMP-9 and sICAM-1 were measured with ELISA kits, CRP were measured with im munoturbidimetric assay, and WBC number were assessed all before any treatment was administrated. Results： （1）The serum levels of MMP-9 ,sICAM-1 ,CRP and WBC in the patients with ACS were significantly higher than those in the control group （P 〈 0.01 ）. （2）Compared with control group, patients with SAP only had higher serum level of sICAM-1 （P 〈 0.01 ）. While the levels of MMP-9, CRP, and WBC had no significant difference between them （P 〉 0.05 all）. （3）Significant positive correlation between the serum levels of MMP-9 and sICAM-1 and CRP and WBC all were observed in the patients with ACS （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： The elevation of serum concentrations of inflammatory markers including MMP-9, slCAM-1, CRP and WBC were associated with initiation and progression of ACS, and they may help predicting cardiovascular events.

Multifactor Regulation on Expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in Endometrial Stromal Cells

Objective To investigate the regulatory effect of multifactor on the matrix metalloproteinases-9 （MMP-9） and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 （TIMP-1） in endometrial stromal cells. Methods The endometrial stromal cells separated from the proliferative endometrial tissues were incubated with medium alone, 17-β estradiol （E2,10^-8 mol/L）, medroxyprogesterone acetate （MPA, 10^-6 mol/L）, E2（10^-8 mol/L）＋MPA （10^-6 mol/L）, E2 （10^-8 mol/L）＋MPA （10^-6 mol/L）＋RU486 （10^-5 mol/L） or HB-EGF （10 ng/ml） for 48 h respectively. The expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were detected by in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and Western blotting. Results Compared with control group [mRNA, 0. 729 ± 0. 090 （MMP-9） and 1.056± 0.154 （TIMP-1）; protein, 0.545 ±0.086 （MMP-9） and 0.745 ±0.154 （TIMP-1）], expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in E2 alone, progestin alone or E2 combined with progestin group were respectively：mRNA, 0.413 ± 0.069, 0.402 ± 0.073 and 0.407 ± 0.039; 0.487 ± 0.093, 0.503 ± 0.093 and 0.468 ± 0.075：protein, 0.294 ± 0.076, 0.331 ±0.064 and 0.265 ±0.049; 0.425 ±0.085, 0.397 ±0.065 and 0.435 ± 0.099. RU486 weakened the expression level of down-regulation, while HB-EGF elevated the level of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 after 48 h treatment （mRNA, 0.955 ± 0.068 and 1.396 ± 0.238; protein, 0. 780 ± 0.109 and 0.985 ± 0.165）. Conclusions 1） Both E2 and progestin can down-regulate the expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in endometrial stromal cells, but RU486 can inhibit the effect. 2） HB-EGF can elevate the level of MMP-9 and TIMP-1. 3） E2, progestin and HB-EGF have effect on the ratio of MM-P/TIMP-1.

KISS-1 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of gastric carcinoma cells

AIM:To investigate the function of the KISS-1 gene in gastric carcinoma cells and to explore its potential mechanism.METHODS:A KISS-1 eukaryotic expression vector was constructed and transfected into BGC-823 cells.Resistant clones were obtained through G418 selection.reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to detect KISS-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)expression in transfected cells.The growth of transfected cells was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT)proliferation assays,and the cells'invasive potential was analyzed by basement membrane(Matrigel)invasion assays.The anti-tumor effects of KISS-1 were tested in vivo using allografts in nude mice.RESULTS:The expression level of KISS-1 mRNA andprotein in BGC-823/KISS-1 transfected cells were significantly higher than in BGC-823/pcDNA3.1 transfected cells(P<0.05)or the parental BGC-823 cell line(P< 0.05).The expression level of MMP-9 mRNA and protein in BGC-823/KISS-1 were significantly less than in BGC-823/pcDNA3.1(P<0.05)or BGC-823 cells(P< 0.05).MTT growth assays show the proliferation of BGC-823/KISS-1 cells at 48 h(0.642±0.130)and 72 h(0.530±0.164)were significantly reduced compared to BGC-823/pcDNA3.1(0.750±0.163,0.645±0.140)(P<0.05)and BGC-823 cells(0.782±0.137,0.685± 0.111)(P<0.05).Invasion assays indicate the invasive potential of BGC-823/KISS-1 cells(16.50±14.88)is significantly reduced compared to BGC-823/pcDNA3.1(20.22±14.87)(P<0.05)and BGC-823 cells after 24 h(22.12±16.12)(P<0.05).In vivo studies demonstrate the rate of pcDNA3.1-KISS-1 tumor growth is significantly slower than pcDNA3.1 and control cell tumor growth in nude mice.Furthermore,tumor volume of pcDNA3.1-KISS-1 tumors(939.38±82.08 mm3)was significantly less than pcDNA3.1(1250.46±44.36 mm3) and control tumors(1284.36±55.26 mm3)(P<0.05).Moreover,the tumor mass of pcDNA3.1-KISS-1 tumors(0.494±0.84 g)was significantly less than pcDNA3.1(0.668±0.55 g)and control tumors(0.682±0.38 g)(P <0.05).CONCLUSION:KISS-1 may inhibit the proliferation and invasion of gastric carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo through the downregulation of MMP-9.

Macrophage secretory products induce an inflammatory phenotype in hepatocytes

AIM:To investigate the influence of macrophages on hepatocyte phenotype and function.METHODS:Macrophages were differentiated from THP-1 monocytes via phorbol myristate acetate stimulation and the effects of monocyte or macrophageconditioned medium on HepG2 mRNA and protein expression determined.The in vivo relevance of these findings was confirmed using liver biopsies from 147 patients with hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection.RESULTS:Conditioned media from macrophages,but not monocytes,induced a transient morphological change in hepatocytes associated with upregulation of vimentin(7.8±2.5-fold,P=0.045)and transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1(2.6±0.2-fold,P<0.001)and downregulation of epithelial cadherin(1.7±0.02-fold,P=0.017)mRNA expression.Microarray analysis revealed significant upregulation of lipocalin-2(17-fold,P <0.001)and pathways associated with inflammation,and substantial downregulation of pathways related to hepatocyte function.In patients with chronic HCV,realtime polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry confirmed an increase in lipocalin-2 mRNA(F0 1.0 ±0.3,F1 2.2±0.2,F2 3.0±9.3,F3/4 4.0±0.8,P= 0.003)and protein expression(F1 1.0±0.5,F2 1.3± 0.4,F3/4 3.6±0.4,P=0.014)with increasing liver injury.High performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis identified elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-9 in macrophageconditioned medium,and a chemical inhibitor of MMP-9 attenuated the change in morphology and mRNA expression of TGF-β1(2.9±0.2 vs 1.04±0.1,P<0.001) in macrophage-conditioned media treated HepG2 cells.In patients with chronic HCV infection,hepatic mRNA expression of CD163(F0 1.0±0.2,F1/2 2.8±0.3,F3/4 5.3±1.0,P=0.001)and MMP-9(F0 1.0±0.4,F1/2 2.8±0.3,F3/4 4.1±0.8,P=0.011)was significantly associated with increasing stage of fibrosis.CONCLUSION:Secreted macrophage products alter the phenotype and function of hepatocytes,with increased expression of inflammatory mediators,suggesting that hepatocytes actively participate in liver injury.

慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者治疗前后血浆基质金属蛋白酶-9及其抑制物-1水平的变化

目的 探讨COPD急性加重期患者治疗前后血浆基质金属蛋白酶-9（MMP-9）及抑制物1（TIMP-1）水平的变化.方法 选择COPD急性加重期患者50例（病例组）,予以吸氧、抗感染、止咳化痰及解痉平喘等常规治疗1周,观察治疗前后血浆MMP-9、TIMP-1水平和MMP-9/TIMP-1比值的变化,观察临床疗效.另选择同期健康体检者30例作为对照组.结果 病例组治疗前血浆MMP-9、TIMP-1水平和MMP-9/TIMP-1比值明显高于对照组（t=2.97、2.44、2.31,P＜0.05）.治疗1周后,病例组血浆TMMP-9、TIMP-1水平和MMP-9/TIMP-1比值较治疗前明显下降（t=2.86、2.39、2.27,P＜0.05）；治疗后临床总有效率为92.0%（46/50）.结论 COPD急性加重期患者血浆MMP-9、TIMP-1水平和MMP-9/TIMP-1比值升高,血浆MMP-9、TIMP-1水平和MMP-9/TIMP-1比值可作为COPD患者病情严重程度和治疗疗效观察指标.

Regulative effect of Taohong Siwu decoction(桃红四物汤) on extracellular matrix of endometrium in drug-induced abortion

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of Taohong Siwu decoction(桃红四物汤, THSWD) on the extracellular matrix of endometrium in rats following drug-induced abortion.METHODS: Thirty-six pregnant female rats were administered mifepristone and misoprostol to induce abortion, and amounts of uterine bleeding were recorded. Pathological damage and collagen accumulation were detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson’s trichrome staining in uterus, respectively. Myeloperoxidase was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.The expression levels of fibronectin, laminin, matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1(TIMP-1) were quantified using western blotting.RESULTS: THSWD could promote endometrial protection in rats following drug-induced abortion.The contents of cellulose and myeloperoxidase were significantly decreased in uterine tissue of THSWD-treated groups. Moreover, THSWD significantly decreased the expression levels of fibronectin, laminin, and TIMP-1. THSWD also significantly increased MMP-9 expression and the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio.CONCLUSION: THSWD plays a critical role in endometrial protection by reducing extracellular matrix deposition and uterine fibrosis. These effects may have been achieved by increasing MMP-9, reducing TIMP-1, and/or altering the ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1.

Analysis of the Expression of Angioarchitecture-related Factors in Patients with Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation

Background： Cerebral arteriovenous malformation （cAVM） is a type of vascular malformation associated with vascular remodeling, hemodynamic imbalance, and inflammation. We detected four angioarchitecture-related cytokines to make a better understanding of the potential aberrant signaling in the pathogenesis of cAVM and found useful proteins in predicting the risk of cerebral hemorrhage. Methods： lmmunohistochemical analysis was conducted on specimens from twenty patients with cAVM diagnosed via magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography and twenty primary epilepsy controls using antibodies against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 （VEGFR-2）, matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9）, vascular cell adhesion molecule （VCAM- 1 ）, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS）. Western blotting and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （PCR） were performed to determine protein and mRNA expression levels. Student＇s t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results： VEGFR-2, MMP-9, VCAM-1, and eNOS expression levels increased in patients with cAVM compared with those in normal cerebral vascular tissue, as determined by immunohistochemical analysis. In addition, Western blotting and real-time PCR showed that the protein and mRNA expression levels ofVEGFR-2, MMP-9, VCAM-1, and eNOS were higher in the cAVM group than in the control group, all the differences mentioned were statistically significant （P 〈 0,05）. Conclusions： VEGFR-2, MMP-9, VCAM-1, and eNOS are upregulated in patients with cAVM and might play important roles in angiogenesis, vascular remodeling, and migration in patients with cAVM. MMP-9, VEGFR-2, VCAM-1, and eNOS might be potential excellent group proteins in predicting the risk of cerebral hemorrhage at arteriovenous malformation.

Effect of Xiaochuanping powder on the inflammatory response and airway remodeling in asthmatic rats

OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of Xiaochuanping powder （XP）, a traditional Chinese prescrip- tion for the treatment of cough and asthma, on serum concentrations of eosinophil cationic protein （ECP）, tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-a, and interleu- kin （IL）-4, eosinophil counts, as well as expression of matrix metalloproteinase （MMP）-9, tissue inhibi- tor of metalloproteinase （TIMP）-I in the lung tissues of asthmatic rats. METHODS： Sixty clean-grade Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into six groups： normal control （NC）, asthma model, Guilong Kechuanning （GK） group, as well as high, intermediate-, and lowdose XP groups. Rats were sensitized with ovalbu- min （OVA） to trigger asthma. Serum concentrations of ECP, TNF-a and IL-4, eosinophil counts, as well as expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in lung tissues were evaluated using an immunofluorescence method, mRNA expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 was determined using real-time quantitative poly- merase chain reaction. RESULTS： Compared with the asthma-model group, serum concentrations of ECP, TNF-a, and IL-4, and eosinophil counts decreased significantly in the high- and intermediate-dose XP groups and GK group （all P 〈 0.01）. Protein expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 decreased significantly in the high- and intermediate-dose XP groups and GK group （all P 〈 0.01）. Transcription of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA and the ratio of expression of MMP-9：TIMP-1 in lung tissue were significantly lower （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： XP can reduce TNF-a secretion, sup- press the infiltration/activation of eosinophils, re- duce serum concentrations of ECP and IL-4, reduce the protein and mRNA expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in lung tissue, and regulate the balance between expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1. In these ways, XP alleviated the inflammation and remodel- ing of the airways.