Long noncoding RNAs HAND2-AS1 ultrasound microbubbles suppress hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating the miR-873-5p/tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 axis

BACKGROUND Increasing data indicated that long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs)were directly or indirectly involved in the occurrence and development of tumors,including hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Recent studies had found that the expression of lncRNA HAND2-AS1 was downregulated in HCC tissues,but its role in HCC progression is unclear.Ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction mediated gene transfection is a new method to overexpress genes.AIM To study the role of ultrasound microbubbles(UTMBs)mediated HAND2-AS1 in the progression of HCC,in order to provide a new reference for the treatment of HCC.METHODS In vitro,we transfected HAND2-AS1 siRNA into HepG2 cells by UTMBs,and detected cell proliferation,apoptosis,invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)by cell counting kit-8 assay,flow cytometry,Transwell invasion assay and Western blotting,respectively.In addition,we transfected miR-837-5p mimic into UTMBs treated cells and observed the changes of cell behavior.Next,the UTMBs treated HepG2 cells were transfected together with miR-837-5p mimic and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2(TIMP2)overexpression vector,and we detected cell proliferation,apoptosis,invasion and EMT.In vivo,we established a mouse model of subcutaneous transplantation of HepG2 cells and observed the effect of HAND2-AS1 silencing on tumor formation ability.RESULTS We found that UTMBs carrying HAND2-AS1 restricted cell proliferation,invasion,and EMT,encouraged apoptosis,and HAND2-AS1 silencing eliminated the effect of UTMBs.Additionally,miR-873-5p targets the gene HAND2-AS1,which also targets the 3’UTR of TIMP2.And miR-873-5p mimic counteracted the impact of HAND2-AS1.Further,miR-873-5p mimic solely or in combination with pcDNA-TIMP2 had been transformed into HepG2 cells exposed to UTMBs.We discovered that TIMP2 reversed the effect of miR-873-5p mimic caused by the blocked signalling cascade for matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)2/MMP9.In vivo results showed that HAND2-AS1 silencing significantly inhibited tumor formation in mice.CONCLUSION LncRNA HAND2-AS1 promotes TIMP2 expression by targeting miR-873-5p to inhibit HepG2 cell growth and delay HCC progression.

Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells attenuate secondary brain injury after controlled cortical impact in rats by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases

Background:As a form of biological therapy,placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells(PDMSCs)exhibit considerable promise in addressing the complex pathological processes of traumaticbrain injury(TBI)due to their multi-target and multi-pathway mode of action.Material&Methods:This study investigates the protective mechanisms and benefits of PDMSCs in mitigating the effects of controlled cortical impact(CCI)in rats and glutamate-induced oxidative stress injury in HT22 cells in vitro.Our primary objective is to provide evidence supporting the clinical application of PDMSCs.Results:In the in vivo arm of our investigation,we observed a swift elevation of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)in the proximal cortex of injured brain tissues after CCI.PDMSCs,distinguished by their heightened expression of metalloproteinase tissue inhibitors-1 and-2(TIMP-1 and TIMP-2):were intravenously administered via the caudal vein.This intervention yielded significant reductions in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier(BBB):the extent of brain edema,the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1βand TNF-αin damaged brain tissue,and the activation status of microglia in CCI-afflicted rats.In the realm of in vitro experiments,PDMSC-conditioned media demonstrated substantial reductions in mortality rates and cleaved caspase-3 levels in glutamate-induced HT22 cells compared with conventional media.Notably,this advantage was negated upon the introduction of neutralizing antibodies targeting TIMP-1 and TIMP-2.Conclusion:Collectively,our findings underscore the potential of PDMSCs in alleviating oxidative stress injury and secondary brain injury in the pathological process of TBI.

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.

Diagnostic value of matrix metalloproteinases 2, 7 and 9 in urine for early detection of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND A noninvasive biomarker with high diagnostic performance is urgently needed for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer(CRC).AIM To evaluate the diagnostic value of matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)2,7 and 9 in urine for CRC.METHODS Of 59 healthy controls,47 patients with colon polyps and 82 patients with CRC were included in this study.Carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)in serum and MMP2,MMP7,and MMP9 in urine were detected.The combined diagnostic model of the indicators was established by binary logistic regression.The receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)of the subjects was used to evaluate the independent and combined diagnostic value of the indicators.RESULTS The MMP2,MMP7,MMP9,and CEA levels in the CRC group differed significantly from levels in the healthy controls(P<0.05).The levels of MMP7,MMP9,and CEA also differed significantly between the CRC group and the colon polyps group(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)distinguishing between the healthy control and the CRC patients using the joint model with CEA,MMP2,MMP7 and MMP9 was 0.977,and the sensitivity and specificity were 95.10%and 91.50%,respectively.For early-stage CRC,the AUC was 0.975,and the sensitivity and specificity were 94.30%and 98.30%,respectively.For advanced stage CRC,the AUC was 0.979,and the sensitivity and specificity were 95.70%and 91.50%,respectively.Using CEA,MMP7 and MMP9 to jointly established a model distinguishing the colorectal polyp group from the CRC group,the AUC was 0.849,and the sensitivity and specificity were 84.10%and 70.20%,respectively.For early-stage CRC,the AUC was 0.818,and the sensitivity and specificity were 76.30%and 72.30%,respectively.For advanced stage CRC,the AUC was 0.875,and the sensitivity and specificity were 81.80%and 72.30%,respectively.CONCLUSION MMP2,MMP7 and MMP 9 may exhibit diagnostic value for the early detection of CRC and may serve as auxiliary diagnostic markers for CRC.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 expression in fibrotic rat liver

INTRODUCTIONLiver fibrosis is an excessive deposition ofextracellular matrix(ECM)resulted from bothincreased synthesis and decreased degradation.Matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)represent agroup of neutral proteinases with variable

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.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in gastrointestinal cancer

Matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) are implicated in cancer development and progression and are associated with prognosis.Single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) of MMPs,most frequently located in the promoter region of the genes,have been shown to influence cancer susceptibility and/or progression.SNPs of MMP-1,-2,-3,-7,-8,-9,-12,-13 and-21 and of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases(TIMPs) TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 have been studied in digestive tract tumors.The contribution of these polymorphisms to the cancer risk and prognosis of gastrointestinal tumors are reviewed in this paper.

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.

Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase and Its Tissue Inhibitor in Haemangioma

The action mechanism of matrix metalloproteinases-2 （MMP-2） and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 （TIMP-2） in the genesis, development and degeneration of haemangioma was investigated by detecting their expression in the tissue of haemangioma in different phases by using the immunohistochemistry. Fifty paraffin-embedded specimens of skin capillary haemangioma were collected, which were documented in the Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from 2000 to 2006. All samples were stained by regular HE method, and proliferative cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） was tested by immunohistochemical S-P method. The samples were classified according to the Mulliken criteria and the expression pattern of PCNA. Immunohistochemical S-P method was ap- plied to detect the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in proliferative and degenerative phases of cutaneous capillary haemangioma, and in normal skin tissues. In combination with the detection of the expression of factor Ⅷ-related antigen, it was verified that in haemangioma tissues, the cells expressing MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were vascular endothelial cells. The MMP-2 and TIMP-2 expression was quantitatively analyzed by image analysis system （HPIAS-1000）, and one-way ANOVA（107） and SNK（q） test were done to analyze average absorbance （A） and positive area rate of immunohistochemically positive particles by using SPSS11.5. The results showed： （1） Among 50 samples of haemangioma, there were 26 proliferative haemangiomas, and 24 degenerative haemangiomas, respectively; （2） The expression of MMP-2 was weak in normal vascular endothelial cells, cytoplasm of connective tissues and extracellular matrix around blood vessels. The expression of MMP-2 in proliferative group was significantly higher than in degenerative group and control group （normal skin） （P〈0.05）, but there was no statistically significant difference between the latter two groups; （3） TIMP-2 was highly expressed in normal tissues, degenerative vascular endothelial cells, cytoplasm of connective tissues and extracellular matrix around blood vessels. The expression level of TIMP-2 in proliferative phase was significantly lower than in degenerative phase （P〈0.05）, and the expression of TIMP-2 in proliferative phase was significantly different from that in degenerative phase and normal tissues （P〈0.05）. It was concluded that in proliferative phase of haemangioma, MMP-2 may promote over-proliferation of endothelial cells of haemangioma, and in degenerative phase, TIMP-2 can inhibit the proliferation of endothelial cells of haemangioma. The two substances play important roles in the genesis, development and degeneration of haemangiomas.

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.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in hepatic stellate cells during rat hepatic fibrosis and its intervention by IL-10

AIM: To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in hepatic fibrosis and the antifibrogenic role of exogenous interleukin-10 (IL-10).METHODS: Hepatic fibrosis was induced by CCl4administration and 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control group (group N, 8rats), CCl4-induced group (group C, 28 rats) and IL-10-treated group (group I, 24 rats). At the beginning of the 7th and 11th wk, rats in each group were routinely perfused with pronase E and type Ⅳ collagenase through portal vein catheter and the suspension was centrifuged by 11%Nycodenz density gradient to isolate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). RT-PCR was used to analyze mRNA of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 from freshly isolated cells. Densitometric data were standardized with β-actin signals. Immunocytochemistry was performed to detect MMP-2 and TIMP-1 expression in HSC cultured for 72 h.RESULTS: Compared to group N in the 7th wk, MMP-2and TIMP-1 mRNA increased in group C (P= 0.001/0.001)and group I (P = 0.001/0.009). The level of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 mRNA in group I was significantly lower than that in group C (P= 0.001/0.001). In the 11th wk, MMP-2 mRNAin group I was still lower than that in group C (P = 0.005),but both dropped compared with that in the 7th week (P = 0.001/0.004). TIMP-1 mRNA in group I was still lower than that in group C (P= 0.001), and increased in group C (P = 0.001) while decreased in group I (P = 0.042)compared with that in the 7th wk. Same results were found by immunocytochemistry.CONCLUSION: Expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 is increased in hepatic fibrosis. IL-10 exhibits an antifibrogenic effect by suppressing MMP-2 and TIMP-1 expression.

Role of matrix metalloproteinase,tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase and tumor necrosis factor-α single nucleotide gene polymorphisms in inflammatory bowel disease

AIM:To study the (functional) relevance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1,-2,-3,-9,tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1,-2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD),that may enhance susceptibility and/or disease severity. METHODS:Genomic DNA from 134 Crohn's disease (CD),111 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and 248 control subjects was isolated from resected intestinal tissue or blood. Allelic composition at SNP loci was determined by PCR-RFLP or tetra primer ARMS PCR. RESULTS:The TIMP-1 genotype TT in women and T in men at SNP +372 T/C was found to increase CD susceptibility (39% vs 23.8%,P=0.018 and 67.9% vs 51.6%,P=0.055,respectively),while women with this genotype were less prone to development of fistulae during follow-up (41.4% vs 68.3%,P=0.025). Male IBD or CD patients carrying the TIMP-1 +372 T-allele expressed lower levels of TIMP-1 in surgically resected macroscopically inflamed tissue (0.065 < P < 0.01). The 5T5T genotype at MMP-3 SNP -1613 5T/6T increased the chance of stenotic complications in CD during follow-up (91.2% vs 71.8%,P = 0.022) but seemed to protect against colonic involvement of this disease at first endoscopic/radiologic examination (35.3% vs 59.5%,P=0.017). CONCLUSION:Allelic composition at the examinedSNPs in genes coding for TIMP-1 and MMP-3 affect CD susceptibility and/or phenotype,i.e.,fistulizing disease,stricture pathogenesis and first disease localisation. These findings reinforce the important role of these proteins in IBD.

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.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in ulcerative colitis

AIM: To examine the expression of metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in the colonic mucosa of patients with ulcer- ative colitis (UC). METHODS: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain re- action (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to study the expression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 at both mRNA and protein levels in patients with UC and con- trols. The relationship between MMP-1 mRNA, TIMP-1 mRNA, MMP-1 mRNA/TIMP-1 mRNA ratio and the sever- ity of clinical symptoms of the patients with UC were also analyzed. RESULTS: The expression of MMP-1 mRNA and TIMP-1 mRNA in the ulcerated and inflamed colonic mucosa was signifi cantly higher than that in the non-inflamed colonic mucosa (P < 0.001), but there was no statistically signif i- cant difference in the non-inflamed colonic mucosa of UC patients and normal controls (P > 0.05). The mRNA ex- pression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in ulcerated colonic mu- cosa of UC patients was increased by 80-fold and 2.2-fold, respectively when compared with the normal controls. In the inflamed colonic mucosa, the increase was 30-fold and 1.6-fold, respectively. Immunohistochemical analy- sis showed that among the ulcerated, inflamed, and non-inflamed colonic mucosae of UC patients and the normal controls, the positive rate of MMP-1 expression was 87%, 87%, 40% and 35% respectively, and the positive rate of TIMP-1 expression was 89%, 89%, 80% and 75%, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of MMP-1 mRNA, TIMP-1 mRNA and the MMP-1 mRNA/ TIMP-1 mRNA ratio were correlated with the severity of clinical symptoms (P <0.05).CONCLUSION: Excessive expression of MMP-1 in the diseased colonic mucosa causes excessive hydrolysis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and ulceration in UC pa-tients. MMP-1 mRNA, TIMP-1 mRNA and MMP-1 mRNA/ TIMP-1 mRNA ratio can be used as biomarkers to judge the severity of clinical symptoms in patients with UC. Exogenous TIMP-1 or MMP-1 inhibitor therapy is a novel treatment for patients with UC.

Inhibitory Effects of Polygoni Multiflori Caulis Extracts on Matrix Metalloproteinase Activities

Matrix metalloproteinases（MMPs） play an essential role in development and tissue remodeling of living organisms. However, the overexpression of MMPs has lead to a series of diseases, such as cancer, arthritis, and atherosclerosis; and inhibition of MMPs may have therapeutic benefits. The discovery of MMP inhibitors from herbal has become a prospective event. We showed that the extract of Polygoni multiflori caulis from ethyl acetate or water（ethyl acetate extract and water extract） can inhibit the activities of MMPs 9, 14, and 16 in a dose-dependent manner and n-butyl alcohol extract of it can also inhibit these MMPs. Furthermore, we found that n-butyl alcohol extract and water extract of it influence the cell viability. These discoveries may contribute to the development of MMP in- hibitors for the therapy of a variety of pathological conditions.

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.

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 ex-pression of matrix metalloproteinase-2,-9 (MMP-2,MMP-9), tissue inhibitor-1 of matrix metalloprote inase(TIMP-1) , cell adhesion molecule 44 variant 6 (CD44v6) , HER2/neu and p53 was investigated in 154 pa-tients 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 wasclose 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 ex-pression of HER2/neu was found in patients with tumor recurrence( P < 0.05 ) . The expression of TIMP-1 washigher in laryngeal cancer than that in pharyngeal cancer, and higher in keratinizing and non-keratlnizing SCC than that in basaloid SCC ( P < 0.05 ) . These findings suggested that MMP-2 and MMP-9, HER2/neu andMMP-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 forpoor prognosis in HNSCC.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases increases in X-irradiated rat ileum despite the disappearance of CD8a T cells

AIM: To investigate their expression and activity in the rat ileum after exposure to ionizing radiation along with that of the cellular effectors and molecular mediators involved in the regulation of MMPs. METHODS: Rats were exposed to a single 10-Gy dose of X-rays delivered to the abdomen. A combination of methods, such as zymography, immunohistochemistry and real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, were used to localize and quantify MMPs and the molecules involved in MMP activating and inhibitory pathways (plasmin/ plasminogen, TIMPs), CD8+, as well as inflammatory (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α) and fibrogenic mediators (transforming growth factor-β1-3) within ileal tissue at 1, 3, and 7 d after irradiation. RESULTS: A marked increase in MMP-2 and -14 mRNA and protein levels associated with an increased activity of MMP-2 was observed in irradiated ileal tissue. MMP-2 and -14 expression was mainly observed in inflammatory, epithelial, and mesenchymal cells, whereas a slight increase in MMP-3 expression was detected in the few infiltrating macrophages at d 1 after irradiation. Conversely, MMP-1, -7, and -9 mRNA levels were not found to be affected by abdominal irradiation. Irradiation was found to induce disappearance of CD8+ cells. Furthermore, we have observed that TNF-α and IL-1β protein levels increased 6 h after irradiation, whereas those of IL-8 only increased after 3 d and was concomitant with neutrophil infiltration. In addition, the expressions of molecules involved in MMP activating and inhibitory pathways (urokinase-type plasminogen activator and tissue-type plasminogen activator; TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and plasminogen activator-inhibitor-1) were found to be increased after abdominal irradiation. CONCLUSION: This study showed that abdominal irradiation induces an acute remodeling of the ileum associated with an increased expression of MMPs and TIMPs that do not involve CD8+ T cells but involve mesenchymal and epithelial cells, although to a lesser extent, and probably even soluble inflammatory and fibrogenic mediators.

Expressions of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases after bare and magnetic stent implantation in rabbits

Objective We aimed to investigate whether magnetic stent has preventive effect on in-stent restenosis by observing expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2, MMP9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)1 and TIMP2 after balloon angioplasty, bare and magnetic stent implantation in rabbits. Methods Rabbits underwent balloon angioplasty, bare and magnetic stent implantation in the left iliac arteries. The changes of MMPs and TIMPs were examined at various time points in the injured arteries using the methods of zymography, Western blot analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and morphometric analysis. Results Balloon angioplasty group (BA) and magnetic stent group (MS) showed lower intrinsic gelatinolytic activity and higher expression of TIMPs with less intimae hyperplasia;Whereas bare stent (BS) group exhibited higher intrinsic gelatinolytic activity and lower expression of TIMPs with significant intimae hyperplasia. Conclusion Magnetic stent probably has preventive effect on in-stent restenosis by changing intrinsic matrix metalloproteinases activity and expression of TIMPs.

Plasma matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 as biomarkers of ulcerative colitis activity

AIM: Overexpression of mucosal metalloproteinases (MMP)has been demonstrated recently in inflammatory boweldisease. Their activity can be counterbalanced by the tissueinhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP). The aim of this studywas to evaluate the effect of ulcerative colitis (UC) on MMP-1 and TTMP-1 plasma concentrations, as two possiblebiomarkers of the disease activity.METHODS: MMP-1 and TIMP-1 plasma concentrations weremeasured with an enzyme immunoassay in 16 patients withendoscopically confirmed active UC.RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of both MMP-11 (13.7±0.2ng/ml) and TIMP-L (799±140 ng/ml) were significantlyelevated in UC patients in comparison to healthy controls(11.9±0.9 ng/ml and 220±7 ng/ml respectively). There wasno correlation between TIMP-1 and MMP-1 concentrations(r=-0.02). TIMP-1 levels revealed significant positivecorrelations with scored endoscopic degree of mucosai injury,disease activity index and clinical activity index values aswell as C-reactive protein concentration. There was nocorrelation between MMP-1 and laboratory, clinical orendoscopic indices of the disease activity.CONCLUSION: These results confirm the role of both MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.However only TIMP-1 can be useful as a biomarker of thedisease activity, demonstrating association with clinical andendoscopic pictures.