Evaluating TIMP-2 and IGFBP-7 as a predictive tool for kidney injury in ureteropelvic junction obstruction

ABSTRACT A major challenge in the management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the selection of patients who would benefit from surgical treatment. Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) indicate renal cell stress and are associated with cell cycle arrest. The [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] ratio (Nephrocheck®) has been recently applied in patients in intensive care units patients to predict the development of acute kidney injury. In this study, we evaluated the performance of these biomarkers performance to distinguishing obstructive hydronephrosis (HN) from non-obstructive HN. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients with UPJO were enrolled in this study. Urinary [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] and clinical characteristics (hydronephrosis grade, differential renal function, and drainage half-time) were measured in the following groups: 26 children with obstructive HN at initial diagnosis (group 1A) and after six months of dismembered pyeloplasty (group 1B); 22 children with non-obstructive HN (group 2), and 26 children without any urinary tract condition, as the control group (group 3). Results: Comparing the initial samples, [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] had higher levels in the HN groups and lower levels in the control group; however, no difference was observed between the HN groups (obstructive vs. non-obstructive). After six months of follow-up, patients who underwent dismembered pyeloplasty showed stability in the urinary concentration of [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7]. All patients with [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] higher than 1.0 (ng/mL)2/1000 had diffuse cortical atrophy on ultrasonography. Conclusions: We showed that urinary levels of urinary [TIMP-2] [IGFBP7] are higher in children with HN than controls. Nephrocheck® is not reliable in predicting the need for surgical intervention for pediatric patients with UPJO.

Effect of silibinin on the expression of MMP2, MMP3, MMP9 and TIMP2 in kidney and lung after hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in an experimental rat model

ABSTRACT Purpose: The protective effect of silibinin on kidney and lung parenchyma during hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is explored. Methods: Sixty-three Wistar rats were separated into three groups: sham; control (45 min IRI); and silibinin (200 μL silibinin administration after 45 min of ischemia and before reperfusion). Immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to evaluate the expression levels of MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, and TIMP2 on kidney and lung. Results: Comparing sham vs. control groups, confirmed that hepatic IRI increased both renal and lung MMP2, MMP3, MMP9 and TIMP2 expressions starting at 180 min (p<0.001). Comparison of the control vs. silibinin groups showed a statistically significant decrease in the expression levels of MMP2, MMP3, and MMP9 and increase of TIMP2 in kidney and lung parenchyma. The starting point of this decrease was at 120 min after reperfusion, both for kidney and lung parameters, and it was statistically significant at 240 min (p<0.001) for kidney, while silibinin showed a peak of lung protection at 180 min after hepatic reperfusion (p<0.001). Conclusions: Hepatic IRI causes distant kidney and lung damage, while a statistically significant protective action, both on kidney and lung parenchyma, is conveyed by the intravenous administration of silibinin.

Salivary molecules of bone remodeling and tissue repair after head and neck radiotherapy

Abstract Head and neck radiotherapy causes quantitative and qualitative changes in saliva. The objective of this case-control study was to evaluate the salivary biomarkers associated with bone remodeling and tissue repair in patients submitted to radiotherapy for head and neck cancer treatment, compared with non-irradiated individuals. Total unstimulated saliva was collected for ELISA assay analysis of receptor activator for nuclear factor κ B (RANK) and its ligand (RANK-L), osteoprotegerin, matrix metalloproteinase-9/ tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2, vascular endothelial growth factor, and epidermal growth factor. Statistics were performed, and revealed that salivary RANK (p = 0.0304), RANK-L (p = 0.0005), matrix metalloproteinase-9/ tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (p = 0.0067), vascular endothelial growth factor (p = 0.0060), and epidermal growth factor (p < 0.0001) were reduced in patients, compared with the control group. Osteoprotegerin did not differ between the groups (p = 0.3765). Salivary biomarkers did not differ according to radiotherapy completion time (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the lower output of the salivary molecules - essential for bone remodeling and tissue repair - may disrupt tissue homeostasis and play a role in the pathogenesis of the radiotherapy-induced deleterious effects in the oral cavity.

The myocardial protective effect of propofol on rats with experimental myocardial infarction and its mechanism / 生理学报

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of propofol on the experimental myocardial infarction in rats. The myocardial infarction model was established by ligating the anterior descending branch of left coronary artery in rats. Model rats were treated with propofol. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. Cardiac hemodynamic changes were detected by multiconductor biorecorder. Pathological changes in the infarcted myocardia were detected by HE staining. The expression levels of cardiac hypertrophy marker genes and fibrosis marker proteins were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot. The results showed that, compared with the sham surgery group, the model group exhibited larger infarct size (> 40%), impaired heart function, and significantly increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). Propofol reduced cardiac function impairment and decreased LVEDP in the model group. Propofol significantly reduced lung weight/body weight ratio, heart weight/body weight ratio, left ventricular weight/body weight ratio and left atrial weight/body weight ratio in the model group. Furthermore, after myocardial infarction, the administration of propofol significantly improved the diastolic strain rate, down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of myocardial hypertrophy markers, atrial natriuretic peptide and β-myosin heavy chain, and reversed the up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) induced by myocardial infarction. These results suggest propofol can reduce adverse ventricular remodeling, cardiac dysfunction, myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis after myocardial infarction, and has protective effect against the experimental myocardial infarction induced by coronary artery ligation in rats.

Prokaryotic expression, purification and characterization of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 / 生物工程学报

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) inhibits tumor migration and invasion. Obtaining TIMP-2 protein is conducive to a comprehensive and in-depth study of its function and mechanism in tumorigenesis and development. We collected human TIMP-2 protein through prokaryotic expression in vitro. We expressed, purified and characterized human TIMP-2 protein. First, the human TIMP-2 gene was cloned from the cDNA obtained by reverse transcription of total RNA of human lung cancer A549 cells, and constructed to pET28a vector. The recombinant plasmid pET28a-TIMP-2 was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) after restriction endonuclease digestion and sequencing analysis. The expression of TIMP-2 protein was induced by isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG), and the expression conditions were optimized. After purification by nickel affinity column, the fusion protein His-TIMP-2 was identified by Western blotting method and its biological activity was detected by gelatin zymography. The fusion protein His-TIMP-2 existed in the form of inclusion body in E. coli. In a certain range, the concentration of IPTG had no significant effect on the expression amount of His-TIMP-2. But in this expression system, induction temperature and time were the key parameters, and the expression amount of His-TIMP-2 in E. coli increased with the increase of induction temperature. The purified and refolded fusion protein could effectively inhibit the activity of matrix metalloproteinases expressed by human lung cancer A549 cells. The acquisition of active fusion protein lays a foundation for further study of the function and mechanism of human TIMP-2, and is of great significance for tumor therapy.

Enhanced Anti-Cancer Effects of Conditioned Medium from Hypoxic Human Umbilical Cord–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There have been contradictory reports on the pro-cancer or anti-cancer effects of mesenchymal stem cells. In this study, we investigated whether conditioned medium (CM) from hypoxic human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) (H-CM) showed enhanced anti-cancer effects compared with CM from normoxic hUC-MSCs (N-CM). METHODS AND RESULTS: Compared with N-CM, H-CM not only strongly reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis of human cervical cancer cells (HeLa cells), but also increased caspase-3/7 activity, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and induced cell cycle arrest. In contrast, cell viability, apoptosis, MMP, and cell cycle of human dermal fibroblast (hDFs) were not significantly changed by either CM whereas caspase-3/7 activity was decreased by H-CM. Protein antibody array showed that activin A, Beta IG-H3, TIMP-2, RET, and IGFBP-3 were upregulated in H-CM compared with N-CM. Intracellular proteins that were upregulated by H-CM in HeLa cells were represented by apoptosis and cell cycle arrest terms of biological processes of Gene Ontology (GO), and by cell cycle of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. In hDFs, negative regulation of apoptosis in biological process of GO and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway of KEGG pathways were represented. CONCLUSIONS: H-CM showed enhanced anti-cancer effects on HeLa cells but did not influence cell viability or apoptosis of hDFs and these different effects were supported by profiling of secretory proteins in both kinds of CM and intracellular signaling of HeLa cells and hDFs.

Increased expression levels of metalloprotease, tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease, metallothionein, and p63 in ectopic endometrium: an animal experimental study / Aumento nos níveis de expressão de metaloprotease, inibidor tecidual das metaloproteases, metalotioneina e p63 em endométrio ectópico: um estudo experimental animal

Abstract Objective To characterize the patterns of cell differentiation, proliferation, and tissue invasion in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of rabbits with induced endometriotic lesions via a well- known experimental model, 4 and 8 weeks after the endometrial implantation procedure. Methods Twenty-nine female New Zealand rabbits underwent laparotomy for endometriosis induction through the resection of one uterine horn, isolation of the endometrium, and fixation of tissue segment to the pelvic peritoneum. Two groups of animals (one with 14 animals, and the other with15) were sacrificed 4 and 8 weeks after endometriosis induction. The lesion was excised along with the opposite uterine horn for endometrial gland and stroma determination. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues for analysis of the following markers: metalloprotease (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease (TIMP-2), which are involved in the invasive capacity of the endometrial tissue; and metallothionein (MT) and p63, which are involved in cell differentiation and proliferation. Results The intensity of the immunostaining for MMP9, TIMP-2, MT, and p63 was higher in ectopic endometria than in eutopic endometria. However, when the ectopic lesions were compared at 4 and 8 weeks, no significant difference was observed, with the exception of the marker p63, which was more evident after 8 weeks of evolution of the ectopic endometrial tissue. Conclusion Ectopic endometrial lesions seem to express greater power for cell differentiation and tissue invasion, compared with eutopic endometria, demonstrating a potentially invasive, progressive, and heterogeneous presentation of endometriosis.

Resumo Objetivo Caracterizar o padrão de diferenciação celular, proliferação e invasão tecidual em endométrio eutópico e ectópico de coelhas com lesões de endometriose induzidas por um modelo experimental 4 e 8 semanas após o procedimento de implantação endometrial. Métodos Vinte e nove coelhas fêmeas Nova Zelândia foram submetidas a laparotomia para indução de endometriose através da ressecção de um dos cornos uterinos, isolamento do endométrio e fixação do tecido no peritônio pélvico. Dois grupos de animais (14 animais em um grupo e 15 animais no outro) foram sacrificados 4 e 8 semanas após a indução da endometriose. A lesão foi excisada junto com o corno uterino contralateral para determinação da presença de glândulas e de estroma endometrial. Reações de imunohistoquímica foram realizadas no tecido endometrial eutópico e ectópico para análise dos seguintes marcadores: metaloprotease (MMP9) e inibidor tecidual da metaloprotease 2 (TIMP-2), os quais estão envolvidos na capacidade de invasão do tecido endometrial; e metalotioneina (MT) e p63, os quais estão envolvidos na diferenciação e proliferação celular. Resultados A intensidade da imunomarcação para MMP9, TIMP-2, MT e p63 foi mais alta nos endométrios ectópicos do que nos endométrios eutópicos. Contudo, quando as lesões foram comparadas entre 4 e 8 semanas, nenhuma diferença foi observada, com exceção do marcador p63, o qual foi mais evidente depois de 8 semanas de evolução do tecido endometrial ectópico. Conclusão Lesões endometriais ectópicas parecem expressar maior poder de diferenciação celular e de invasão tecidual comparadas com endométrios eutópicos, demonstrando o potencial de invasão, de progressão e de apresentação heterogênea da endometriose.

Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 Expression by an Adenosine A1 Agonist in Trabecular Meshwork Cells

PURPOSE: We investigated the extent of adenosine A1 agonist-induced expression and regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) synthesis in human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC). METHODS: Primary HTMC cultures were exposed to 0.1 or 1.0 µM N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) for 2 h in the presence or absence of an inhibitor thereof, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dimethylxanthine (CPT). The expression level of mRNA encoding MMP-2 was assessed via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and the levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) and membrane-type-1 MMP (MT1-MMP) measured by Western blotting. The permeability of the HTMC monolayer was assessed with the aid of carboxyfluorescein. RESULTS: CHA at 1.0 µM increased the permeability of the HTMC monolayer (p = 0.003) and CHA at both 0.1 and 1.0 µM significantly increased MMP-2 mRNA expression, which was inhibited by co-exposure to CPT (all p < 0.05). CHA increased MMP-2 activity, decreased that of TIMP2, and increased that of MT1-MMP (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CHA increased the permeability of the HTMC monolayer and increased MMP-2 activity, decreased TIMP2 activity, and increased MT1-MMP activity. Thus, regulation of TIMP2 and MT1-MMP expression may be involved in the adenosine A1 agonist-induced increase in MMP-2 activity.

Genetic Polymorphism in MMP9 May Be Associated With Anterior Open Bite in Children

Abstract Anterior open bite (AOB) has a multifactorial etiology caused by the interaction of sucking habits and genetic factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between AOB and polymorphisms in genes that encode Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). Four hundred and seventy-two children that presented at least one sucking habit were evaluated. Children were examined clinically for the presence of AOB. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva. Genotyping of the selected polymorphisms in MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, TIMP1 and TIMP2 was carried out by real-time PCR using the TaqMan method. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between the groups with and without AOB using the PLINK® software in a free and in a recessive model using a chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was implemented (p≤0.05). Two hundred nineteen children had AOB while 253 did not. The polymorphism rs17576 in MMP9 was significantly associated with AOB (p=0.009). In a recessive model GG genotype was a protective factor for AOB (p=0.014; OR 4.6, 95%CI 1.3-16.2). In the logistic regression analysis, none of the genes was associated with AOB. In conclusion, the polymorphism rs17576 (glutamine for arginine substitution) in MMP9 was a protective factor for AOB.

Resumo A mordida aberta anterior apresenta uma etiologia multifatorial causada pela interação entre hábitos de sucção e fatores genéticos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação entre mordida aberta anterior e polimorfismo nos genes que codificam as metaloproteinases da matriz (MMPs) e seus inibidores teciduais (TIMPs). Foram avaliadas 472 crianças que apresentvam pelo menos um hábito de sucção. As crianças foram clinicamente examinadas para avaliar a presença de mordida aberta anterior. DNA genômico foi extraído da saliva. A genotipagem dos polimorfismos selecionados em MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, TIMP1 e TIMP2 foi realizada por PCR em tempo real, usando o método de TaqMan. As frequências alélicas e genotípicas foram comparadas entre os grupos com e sem mordida aberta anterior usando o software PLINK®. Duzentas e dezenove crianças apresentavam mordida aberta anterior enquanto 253 não a apresentavam. O polimorfismo rs17576 em MMP9 estava significativamente associado com mordida aberta anterior (p=0,009). No modelo recessivo (GG versus AG+AA) o genótipo GG foi um fator protetor para mordida aberta anterior (p=0,014; OR 4,6; 95%CI 1,3- 16,2). Concluindo, o polimorfismo rs17576 (substituição de glutamina por arginina) em MMP9 está associado com mordida aberta anterior. Os resultados obtidos suportam a hipótese de que fatores genéticos estão envolvidos com a etiologia da mordida aberta anterior.

Resveratrol raises in vitro anticancer effects of paclitaxel in NSCLC cell line A549 through COX-2 expression

The aim of this study was to determine the raising anticancer effects of resveratrol (Res) on paclitaxel (PA) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line A549. The 10 µg/ml of Res had no effect on human fetal lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells or on A549 cancer cells and the 5 or 10 µg/ml of PA also had no effect on MRC-5 normal cells. PA-L (5 µg/ml) and PA-H (10 µg/ml) had the growth inhibitory effects in NSCLC cell line A549, and Res increased these growth inhibitory effects. By flow cytometry experiment, after Res (5 µg/ml)+PA-H (10 µg/ml) treatment, the A549 cells showed the most apoptosic cells compared to other group treatments, and after additional treatment with Res, the apoptosic cells of both two PA concentrations were raised. Res+PA could reduce the mRNA and protein expressions of COX-2, and Res+PA could reduce the COX-2 related genes of VEGF, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, NF-κB, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, procollagen I, collagen I, collagen III and CTGF, TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS and raise the TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, IκB-α, p53, p21, caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, Bax genes compared to the control cells and the PA treated cells. From these results, it can be suggested that Res could raise the anticancer effects of PA in A549 cells, thus Res might be used as a good sensitizing agent for PA.

Effect of subcutaneous treatment with human umbilical cord blood-derived multipotent stem cells on peripheral neuropathic pain in rats

In this study, we aim to determine the in vivo effect of human umbilical cord blood-derived multipotent stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) on neuropathic pain, using three, principal peripheral neuropathic pain models. Four weeks after hUCB-MSC transplantation, we observed significant antinociceptive effect in hUCB-MSC–transplanted rats compared to that in the vehicle-treated control. Spinal cord cells positive for c-fos, CGRP, p-ERK, p-p 38, MMP-9 and MMP 2 were significantly decreased in only CCI model of hUCB-MSCs-grafted rats, while spinal cord cells positive for CGRP, p-ERK and MMP-2 significantly decreased in SNL model of hUCB-MSCs-grafted rats and spinal cord cells positive for CGRP and MMP-2 significantly decreased in SNI model of hUCB-MSCs-grafted rats, compared to the control 4 weeks or 8weeks after transplantation (p<0.05). However, cells positive for TIMP-2, an endogenous tissue inhibitor of MMP-2, were significantly increased in SNL and SNI models of hUCB-MSCs-grafted rats. Taken together, subcutaneous injection of hUCB-MSCs may have an antinociceptive effect via modulation of pain signaling during pain signal processing within the nervous system, especially for CCI model. Thus, subcutaneous administration of hUCB-MSCs might be beneficial for improving those patients suffering from neuropathic pain by decreasing neuropathic pain activation factors, while increasing neuropathic pain inhibition factor.

MMP13, TIMP2 and TGFB3 Gene Polymorphisms in Brazilian Chronic Periodontitis and Periimplantitis Subjects

Abstract Subjects susceptible to chronic periodontitis (CP) show a high risk for the development of peiimplantitis (PI). Both diseases are multifactorial, presenting similarities in their pathophysiology and polygenic profile. MMP-13 (matrix metalloproteinases 13/ collagenase 3) is a collagenolytic enzyme, which expression is induced by TGF beta 3 (transforming growth factor type 3) in human gingival fibroblasts and inhibited by TIMP-2 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase type 2). The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of peiimplantitis (PI) in subjects with history of chronic periodontitis (CP) and polymorphisms frequency in MMP13, TIMP2 and TGFB3 genes. One hundred and sixty-three volunteers received dental implant placement were submitted to oral and radiographic examination in order to identify past history of CP or presence of PI. Volunteers were divided into 4 groups: Control (without PI and CP, n=72), CP (with CP and without PI, n=28), PI (with PI and without CP, n=28) and diseased (with CP and PI, n=35). The chi-square test correlated genotypes in specific regions of MMP13 (rs2252070), TIMP2 (rs7501477) and TGFB3 (rs2268626) genes, considering the interaction between CP and PI. The results showed that volunteers with CP had 3.2 times more susceptibility to develop PI (p=0.0004) compared to those without CP. No significant association was observed in MMP13, TIMP2 and TGFB3 genes with CP or PI. CP is a risk factor to develop PI, however, there is no association of both diseases with polymorphisms in the MMP13, TIMP2 and TGFB3 genes.

Resumo Indivíduos susceptíveis à periodontite crônica (CP) apresentam alto risco para o desenvolvimento de periimplantite (PI). Ambas doenças são multifatoriais e apresentam similaridades na patofisiologia e perfil poligênico. A MMP-13 (metaloproteinase da matriz tipo 13) é uma enzima colagenolítica cuja expressão é induzida por TGF beta 3 (fator transformador do crescimento tipo 3) nos fibroblastos gengivais humanos e inibida por TIMP-2 (inibidor tecidual de metaloproteinase tipo 2). O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de periimplantite em sujeitos com periodontite crônica e a frequência dos polimorfismos nos genes MMP13, TIMP2 e TGFB3. Cento e sessenta e três voluntários submetidos à instalação de implantes endósseos foram analisados clínica e radiograficamente quanto à presença de histórico de CP e PI, sendo divididos em 4 grupos: Controle (sem história de CP e PI, n=72), CP (com CP e sem PI, n=28), PI (com PI e sem CP, n=28) e Doentes (com CP e PI, n=35). O teste do qui-quadrado correlacionou os genótipos nas regiões dos genes MMP13 (rs2252070), TIMP2 (rs7501477) e TGFB3 (rs2268626), considerando a interação entre CP e PI. Os resultados mostraram que voluntários com CP possuem 3.2 vezes mais chances de desenvolver PI (p=0.0004) comparados aos sem CP. Nenhuma associação significativa foi observada entre os genes MMP13, TIMP2 e TGFB3 e CP ou PI. A CP é um fator de risco ao desenvolvimento de PI, no entanto, não há associação entre ambas as doenças com polimorfismos nos genes MMP13, TIMP2 e TGFB3.

Effect of Modified Hangqi Chifeng Decoction Containing Serum on the Expression of Col IV, MMP-2, and TIMP-2 in Glomerular Mesangial Cells Induced by LPS / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of Modified Hangqi Chifeng Decoction (MHCD) on levels of collagen type IV (Col IV), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in extracellular matrix (ECM) of glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) in LPS induced mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Normal serum and telmisartan, high, medium, low dose MHCD containing serums were prepared by using serum pharmacology method. GMCs were cultured in vitro. The proliferation of mesangial cells were induced using LPS as stimulating factor. GMCs were divided into six groups, i.e., the normal group, the model group, the telmisartan group, high, medium and low dose MHCD groups. Col IV content in the supernatant of mesangial cells was detected using ELISA. Protein expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were detected using Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal group, Col IV content obviously increased in the model group after 72-h LPS stimulation; protein expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were obviously up-regulated, and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio was down-regulated in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, Col IV content obviously decreased in high and medium dose MHCD groups and the telmisartan group (P < 0.01); protein expressions of MMP-2 were obviously down-regulated in medium and low dose MHCD groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); the protein expression of TIMP-2 was obviously down-regulated in high, medium, low dose MHCD groups and the telmisartan group (P < 0.01). The pro- tein expression of TIMP-2 was obviously lower in the high dose MHCD group than in the low dose MHCD group (P < 0.01). MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio was obviously up-regulated in the telmisartan group, high and medium dose MHCD groups (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MHCD could regulate disordered MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio in LPS induced ECM, inhibit excessive production of Col IV in ECM, promote the degradation of ECM, reduce the accumulation of ECM, thereby, delaying the process of glomerular sclerosis.</p>

Assessment of MMP-1, MMP-8 and TIMP-2 in experimental periodontitis treated with kaempferol

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a dietary flavonoid, kaempferol, which has been shown to possess antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant activities on the periodontium by histomorphometric analysis and on gingival tissue matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), MMP-8, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) by biochemical analysis of rats after experimental periodontitis induction. METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of ten rats each, and silk ligatures were placed around the cervical area of the mandibular first molars for 15 days, except in the healthy control rats. In the experimental periodontitis groups, systemic kaempferol (10 mg/kg/2d) and saline were administered by oral gavage at two different periods (with and without the presence of dental biofilm) to all rats except for the ten non-medicated rats. Alveolar bone area, alveolar bone level, and attachment level were determined by histomorphometric analysis, and gingival tissue levels of MMP-1, MMP-8, and TIMP-2 were detected by biochemical analysis. RESULTS: Significantly greater bone area and significantly less alveolar bone and attachment loss were observed in the kaempferol application groups compared to the control groups (P0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Kaempferol application may be useful in decreasing alveolar bone resorption, attachment loss, and MMP-1 and -8 production in experimental periodontitis.

Clinical Implication of Aortic Wall Biopsy in Aortic Valve Disease with Bicuspid Valve Pathology

BACKGROUND: Although unique aortic pathology related to bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) has been previously reported, clinical implications of BAV to aortopathy risk have yet to be investigated. We looked for potential differences in matrix protein expressions in the aortic wall in BAV patients. METHODS: Aorta specimens were obtained from 31 patients: BAV group (n=27), tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) group (n=4). The BAV group was categorized into three subgroups: left coronary sinus-right coronary sinus (R+L group; n=13, 42%), right coronary sinus-non-coronary sinus (R+N group; n=8, 26%), and anteroposterior (AP group; n=6, 19%). We analyzed the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2. RESULTS: Based on the mean value of the control group, BAV group showed decreased expression of eNOS in 72.7% of patients, increased MMP-9 in 82.3%, and decreased TIMP in 79.2%. There was a higher tendency for aortopathy in the BAV group: eNOS (BAV:TAV)= 53%±7%:57%±11%, MMP-9 (BAV:TAV)=48%±10%:38%±1%. The AP group showed lower expression of eNOS than the fusion (R+L, R+N) group did; 48%±5% vs. 55%±7% (p=0.081). CONCLUSION: Not all patients with BAV had expression of aortopathy; however, for patients who had a suspicious form of bicuspid valve, aortic wall biopsy could be valuable to signify the presence of aortopathy.

Effect of Nitric Oxide on the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase and Its Association with Migration of Cultured Trabecular Meshwork Cells

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) on the migration of trabecular meshwork (TM) cells and its association with expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). METHODS: Primary human TM cells treated with 1 or 10 microM S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) and examined for changes in adherence. TM cells were seeded onto transwell culture inserts, and changes in their migratory activity were quantified. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the relative changes in mRNA expression of MMPs and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). RESULTS: Treatment with SNAP did not significantly suppress TM cell adhesion or migration (p > 0.05). Treatment of TM cells with 10 microM SNAP decreased expression of MMP-2 and increased expression of membrane type MMP-1 and TIMP-2. Treatment with interleukin-1alpha triggered MMP-3 expression but did not exert significant effects on MMP-3 activation in response to SNAP. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that NO revealed no significant effect on the migration of TM cells because NO decreased MMP-2 and increased TIMP-2 expression. Although expression of certain MMPs and TIMPs change in response to NO donors, NO may modulate trabecular outflow by changing the cellular production of extracellular matrix without having a significant effect on the migration of TM cells.

ANT2 shRNA downregulates miR-19a and miR-96 through the PI3K/Akt pathway and suppresses tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are negative regulators of gene expression, and miRNA deregulation is found in various tumors. We previously reported that suppression of adenine nucleotide translocase 2 (ANT2) by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development by rescuing miR-636 expression. However, the tumor-suppressive mechanisms of ANT2 shRNA are still poorly understood in HCC. Here, we hypothesized that miRNAs that are specifically downregulated by ANT2 shRNA might function as oncomiRs, and we investigated the roles of ANT2 shRNA-regulated miRNAs in the pathogenesis of HCC. Our data show that miR-19a and miR-96, whose expression is regulated by ANT2 suppression, were markedly upregulated in HCC cell lines and clinical samples. Ectopic expression of miR-19a and miR-96 dramatically induced the proliferation and colony formation of hepatoma cells in vitro, whereas inhibition of miR-19a and miR-96 reduced these effects. To investigate the in vivo function, we implanted miR-96-overexpressing HepG2 cells in a xenograft model and demonstrated that the increase in miR-96 promoted tumor growth. We also found that miR-19a and miR-96 inhibited expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2. Taken together, our results suggest that ANT2-regulated miR-19a and miR-96 play an important role in promoting the proliferation of human HCC cells, and the knockdown of ANT2 directly downregulates miR-19a and miR-96, ultimately resulting in the suppression of tumor growth.

PRDM14 promotes the migration of human non-small cell lung cancer through extracellular matrix degradation in vitro / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>As a novel molecular markerof non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), PRDI-BF1 and RIZ homology domain containing protein 14 (PRDM14) is over-expressed in NSCLC tumor tissues. Extracellular matrix degradation mediated by the balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) is one of the most important mechanism in lung cancer metastasis. This study aimed to determine if PRDM14 promoted the migration of NSCLC cells through extracellular matrix degradation mediated by change of MMP/TIMP expression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of PRDM14 was down-regulated in human cell line A 549 after transfection with lentiviral vector-mediated short-hairpin ribonucleic acids (shRNAs) which targeted the PRDM14 promoter. Cellular migration of shRNA-infected cells was detected by a scratch wound healing assay and transwell cell migration assay. Expression levels of MMP1, MMP2, TIMP1, and TIMP2 were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Migration of PRDM14-shRNA-infected cells was significantly inhibited relative to control cells as measured by the scratch wound healing (P < 0.05) and transwell cell migration assays (P < 0.01). The expression of MMP1 in A549 cells infected by PRDM14-shRNA was down-regulated significantly (P < 0.01), whereas the expression of TIMP1 and TIMP2 was up-regulated significantly (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PRDM14 accelerates A549 cells migration in vitro through extracellular matrix degradation. PRDM14 is considered as a potential therapeutic target in metastatic NSCLC.</p>

Effect of RbAp48 knockdown on migration and invasion of human cervical cancer cell line MS751 in vitro / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of RbAp48 knockdown on the migration and invasion of human cervical cancer cells and explore the mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A small interference RNA (siRNA) was used to knock down the expression of RbAp48 in MS751 cells. The changes in cell migration and invasion were evaluated using wound healing assay and Transwell assay, respectively, and the expressions of RbAp48, vimentin, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, Snail, Twist, MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were determined with Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After siRNA-mediated RbAp48 knockdown, MS751 cells showed a significantly reduced expression of RbAp48 with significantly suppressed cell migration and invasion (P<0.01). RbAp48 knockdown induced obvious down-regulation of the expressions of interstitial cell phenotype proteins vimentin, N-cadherin, and MMP-2 and up-regulation of epithelial cell phenotype proteins E-cadherin and TIMP-2, suggesting the inhibition of epithelial- mesenchymal transition of the cells. The expressions of Snail and Twist were significantly down-regulated in the cells following RbAp48 knockdown.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Knockdown of RbAp48 can significantly inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition and suppress the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cell line MS751, the mechanism of which may involve the down-regulation of Snail and Twist expressions.</p>

Exploring the active ingredient of Chinese yellow wine which could inhibit the Hcy induced proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the active ingredients in the Chinese yellow wine could inhibit the proliferation and migration of rat vascular smooth muscle cells induced by homocysteine (Hcy).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The primary culture and identification of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was conducted, and the VSMCs in passage 4-7 were used in the following experiments. The VSMCs were divided into 7 groups: control, Hcy (1 mmol/L), Hcy + oligosaccharide, Hcy + polypeptides, Hcy + polyphenols, Hcy + alcohol, Hcy + Chinese yellow wine and were given the corresponding treatment. The proliferation of VSMCs was determined by MTT. Transwell chambers and would healing were employed to test the migratory ability of VSMCs. Wester blot and gelatin zymography were used to investigate the expressions and activities of metal matrix proteinase 2/9 (MMP-2/9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) in VSMCs of each group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with control group, the proliferation, migration and the expression and activity of MMP-2/9 of VSMCs were significantly increased in the VSMCs of Hcy group (P < 0.01). Compared with Hcy group, the proliferation, migration and the expression and activity of MMP-2/9 of VSMCs were significantly decreases in the VSMCs of polypeptides group, polyphenols group and Chinese yellow wine group. However, the expression of TIMP-2 among each group had no significant difference.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Polypeptides and polyphenols in the Chinese yellow wine could inhibit the proliferation and migration of VSMCs induced by Hcy.</p>