ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate gene expressions of matrix metalloprotease (MMP-2, MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and RECK ( reversion inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs) in the liver tissue of rats with Vibrio vulnificus sepsis. Methods Vibrio vulnificus sepsis model was induced by injection of 1 mL/100 g Vibrio vulnificus (9 × 106 cfu/mL) at hind limbs in 50 Sprague-Dawley male rats of clean grade, each time 10 animals were sacrificed at 2, 6, 9, 12 and 16 h after injection and liver samples were taken. Ten rats served as control group. The ethological changes were observed. The total RNA was extracted from liver tissue and the gene expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-2 and RECK were evaluated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Results The rats manifested shortness of breath, fever and swelling in hind limbs at 4 h after injection of Vibrio vulnificus. These symptoms gradually deteriorated, and the rats presented cyanosis and convulsion at 12 h. The gene expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were markedly up-regulated, while those of TIMP-2 and RECK were down-regulated. Conclusion The study suggests that the elevation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and down-regulation of TIMP-2 and RECK is associated with the development of Vibrio vulnificus sepsis.