Altered activity and expression of MMPs/TIMPs are associated with functional and structural left ventricular remodeling in hypertensive rats

AIM: To investigate the relationship between matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases imbalance with functional and structural left ventricular (LV) remodeling in the hypertensive rats.METHODS: 6-week-old male stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SPs,n=40) served as the hypertensive heart disease model,and age-matched male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats (n=10) were used as control.After 6 months,the rats in two groups were anesthetized for invasive hemodynamic measurement by Millar pressure-volume (P-V) conductance catheter.Then the rats were sacrificed and hearts were dissected for morphological analysis,gelatin-zymography and Western blotting analysis.RESULTS: Left ventricular (LV) hemodynamic parameters showed the systolic and diastolic dysfunction in SHR-SPs compared with that in control group (P<0.05).Collagen volume fraction,ratio of perivascular collagen area to luminal area,myocardial cross-sectional area and the medial area to luminal area ratio of the SHR-SPs were all increased remarkably (P<0.05).LV matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activities,MMP-2 and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloprotease-1 (TIMP-1) protein level in SHR-SP were notably higher than those in control group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Chronic pressure-overload is capable of inducing imbalances of cardiac ECM and MMPs/TIMPs system,both imbalances induce LV dilation,cardiac systolic and diastolic dysfunction.     

Effects of radix pseudostellariae on cardiac function and matrix metalloproteinases in rat chronic heart failure induced by coronary artery ligation

AIM:To investigate the effects of radix pseudostellariae on cardiac function and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in rat chronic heart failure induced by coronary artery ligation. METHODS:Rat model of chronic heart failure was produced by ligating the coronary artery for 6 weeks. The cardiac functions were determined by observing the hemodynamics parameters. mRNA expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in left ventricular tissue were detected by RT-PCR and activities of MMPs were assayed by zemography.RESULTS:Cardiac function was remarkable turbulence after coronary artery ligation 6 weeks, according to the results of the hemodynamics. The mRNA contents and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in left ventricular tissue were significantly elevated. Radix pseudostellariae remarkable ameliorated the cardiac functions, inhibited the mRNA contents and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in left ventricular tissue of rat with chronic heart failure after continued 5 weeks treated with decoction of radix pseudostellariae. CONCLUSION:The decoction of radix pseudostellariae ameliorates cardiac functions of rat with chronic heart failure. The mechanism maybe involves in the inhibition of the MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expression and activities in cardiac ventricles.     

Imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases during wound healing in diabetic rats

AIM: To investigate the imbalance between the expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and that of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs) during wound healing in diabetic rats. METHODS: Diabetic rats were induced with streptozotocin. All rats were maintained for 6 weeks. A full-thickness excisional wound was created on the back of each rat. Every group was randomly divided into 3 subgroups of 7 rats: 3 d group, 7 d group, 14 d group and animals were killed at 3rd, 7th and 14th day. Routine pathological examination, Masson′s trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry were made to calculate the score of epidermal and dermal regeneration, granulation tissue thickness, angiogenesis, matrix density, and infiltrated cells at different time points. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of mRNA and protein of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the skin at those time points. RESULTS: Six weeks after streptozotocin treatment, Three days after injury, the wound healing rate of normal rats was faster than that of diabetic rats. From 3rd to 14th day, there were a lot of fibroblast and macrophage in normal skin, while few such cells were observed in diabetic skin. The other histological scores in normal skin were higher than those in diabetic rats at 7th and 14th day. Both MMP-9 and TIMP-1 had minimally detectable levels before wounding but exhibited rapid, significantly large increases within 3 d after wounding. Subsequently, they showed a rapid decline by 14 d. The relative values of expression of MMP-9 mRNA and protein in diabetic group were higher than those in normal group at different time points. However, the values of TIMP-1 mRNA and protein in diabetic group were significantly lower than those in control group. Significant difference was observed between two groups with the ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1, higher in diabetic group than that in normal group. CONCLUSION: Abnormal reepithelialization, angiogenesis, inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen fibers generation, granulation tissue deposition, seem to be the basic histopathology that delays wound healing. The imbalance between MMPs and TIMPs in diabetic skin tissue before and after injury may be one of the important reasons of these alterations of histopathology.     

Valsartan protects a rat model of adriamycin-induced dilated cardiomyopathy from left ventricular remodeling and failure

AIM: To investigate whether and how AT1 receptor blocker， valsartan， attenuates left ventricular remodeling and failure in a rat model of adriamycin（ADR）-induced dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Weight-matched adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups as follows: 1) the ADR group, in which 2.5 mg/kg of ADR was weekly injected via a tail vein for 10 weeks (n=25); 2) concomitant AT1 receptor blocker valsartan and ADR, in which valsartan was administered by daily gavage at a dose of 30 mg·kg-1·d-1 (n=10); 3) control group (n=10). Hemodynamics and echocardiographic measurements were obtained at 12 weeks after treatment. Finally, left ventricle (LV) samples were collected at 12 weeks. The hydroxyproline content was determined by the methods of chloramines T. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were measured by Western blotting. MMP-2 and -9 gelatinolytic activities were measured by gelatin zymography. RESULTS: Mortality was significantly lower in valsartan -treated rats than that in ADR rats (20% versus 40%, P<0.01). The dilatation of LV cavity was significantly attenuated in ADR-induced dilated cardiomyopathy rats given valsartan. Valsartan partially normalized LV contractile function, which was significantly reduced in ADR rats. The hydroxyproline content was increased in ADR-DCM group and significantly reduced by valsartan treatment (P<0.01). The protein levels of LV MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased in ADR rats and attenuated by valsartan treatment (both P<0.01). However, no change in TIMP-1 was observed (P>0.05). The activities of LV myocardial MMP-2 and -9 gelatinolytic were increased significantly in ADR rats (both P<0.01) and attenuated by valsartan treatment (both P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with AT1 receptor blocker valsartan attenuates left ventricular remodeling and failure in a rat model of adriamycin-induced dilated cardiomyopathy.     

VEGF gene transfer modulates MMPs expression after vascular balloon injury

AIM: To investigate the effect of VEGF gene transfer on matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases(TIMPs) expression after vascular balloon injury. METHODS: 90 New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 3 groups randomly: group Ⅰ(balloon injury group), groupⅡ (pAdtrackCMV group) and group Ⅲ(pAdtrackCMV-VEGF165 group). Hypercholesterol diet was given for 7 days before experiment and continued to receive until the animals were killed. Each group were divided into five subgroups according to the sacrifice time. Blood samples and iliac arteries were harvested for further analysis. RESULTS: In group Ⅰ and Ⅱ, MMP2 and TIMP1,2 expressions were detected during the whole process ,while in group III ,MMP1,2,9 and TIMP1,2 could be detected from 3 days after gene transfer and reached the highest level at 1 week and could not be detected at 8 week. CONCLUSIONS: Imbalance expression of MMPs and TIMPs occurred after vascular injury and this may be the reason of pathological remodeling. Local phAdtrackCMV-VEGF165 transfer could specifically change the exp/ression of MMPs and facilitate the positive remodeling process after vascular injury.     

Expression of MMP-2 mRNA and MMP-9 mRNA in pulmonary arterioles ofrats with pulmonary hypertension induced by chronic hypoxia hypercapnia

AIM:To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) in pulmonary arterioles of rats with chronic hypoxia and hypercapnia-induced pulmonary hypertension.METHODS:MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-2 mRNA, MMP-9 mRNA were observed in pulmonary arterioles by the techniques of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.RESULTS:①The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and weight ratio of right ventricle to left ventricle and septum (RV/LV+S) of hypoxia-hypercapnia groups were higher than those of normal control group (P＜0.01). ②Light microscopy showed that vessel wall and media of pulmonary arterioles were thicker in rats of hypoxia-hypercapnia groups than normal control group. There were vessel smooth muscle cell hypertrophy, vessel cavity straitness in hypoxia-hypercapnia group, but no same performance was found in normal control group. ③The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-2 mRNA, MMP-9 mRNA in pulmonary arterioles were significantly higher in rats of hypoxia-hypercapnia groups than control group (P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:Expression of matrix metalloproteinases in pulmonary arterioles is enhanced by hypoxia hypercapnia. This may be involved in pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats with pulmonary hypertension.     

Effects of angiotensionⅡon metalloproteinases and matrix in hypertrophied myocardium from infarcted rats

AIM: To investigate the roles of angiotensionⅡ (AngⅡ) receptors (AT₁, AT₂) antagonists on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) system in septal myocardium from infarcted rats.METHODS: The model of rat myocardium infarction (MI) was established by permanent ligation of the left coronary artery. The treatments of the AT₁ receptor antagonist valsartan (10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) or AT₂ receptor antagonist PD123319 (30 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) were started 7 days prior to surgery. On day 14 after MI, protein levels of MMP-2, 3, 9, fibronectin (FN), tenascin-C (TN-C) in interventricular septum (IS) were determined. The distributions of FN and TN-C were also determined by immunofluorescence.RESULTS: Pathological changes of IS on day 14 after MI showed typical myocardial hypertrophy. Protein expressions of MMP-2, 3, 9 and TN-C of IS in banding group were higher than those in sham-operation group (P<0.01). The expressions of TIMP-1 and FN were lower than those in sham-operation group (P<0.01). Protein expressions of MMP-2, 3, 9 and TN-C in valsartan group were obviously lower than those in banding and PD123319 groups (P<0.01). TIMP-1 and FN protein expressions in valsartan group were higher than those in banding and PD123319 groups (P<0.01). No difference between banding and PD123319 groups was observed (P>0.05).CONCLUSION: AngⅡis involved in myocardium remodeling in infarcted rats, which is mediated via AT₁ receptor to degrade matrix by MMPs. The heart protection of AT₁ receptor antagonists may relate to inhibition of MMPs.     

Effects of Maxing-Shigan decoction on airway remodeling and expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in lung tissues of asthmatic mice

AIM:To investigate the effects of Maxing-Shigan decoction on airway remodeling and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in the lung tissues of asthmatic mice, and to explore its possible mechanism in treatment of asthma. METHODS:The BALB/c mice were divided into blank control group, model group, low-dose Maxing-Shigan decoction group, middle-dose Maxing-Shigan decoction group, high-dose Maxing-Shigan decoction group and positive control group. The mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin to establish asthma model. The mice in blank control group and model group were given saline by oral administration before 30 min of suscitation. The mice in low-dose, middle-dose and high-dose Maxing-Shigan decoction groups were given Maxing-Shigan decoction at 5.0 g/kg, 10.0 g/kg and 20.0 g/kg, respectively, by oral administration before 30 min of suscitation. The mice in positive control group was given dexamethasone at 0.005 g/kg by oral administration before 30 min of suscitation. After consecutive administration for 7 d, the variations of airway responsiveness, the percentage of the goblet cells, the collagen deposition, and the eosinophil (EOS) counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of each group were observed. The protein levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the lung tissues were determined by ELISA and Western blot. The mRNA expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 was detected by RT-qPCR. RESULTS:Compared with blank control group, the airway responsiveness, the goblet cell percentage, the collagen deposition, the EOS counts in BALF, the protein levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1, and the mRNA expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were significantly increased in model group (P<0.01). Compared with model group, all of the indexes were reversed in low-dose, middle-dose and high-dose Maxing-Shigan decoction groups and positive control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION:Maxing-Shigan decoction improves airway remodeling in asthma model mice by down-regulating the expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1.     

Effects of matrix metalloproteinases on ventricular remodelingfollowing myocardial ischemia in the rat

AIM:To examine the relationship between the activity of matrix metallproteinases(MMPs) and ventricular remodeling following myocardial ischemia in the rat.METHODS:The model of myocardial ischemia(MI) in the rat was established by isoprenaline(ISP). The activity of MMPs was measured by zymography and collagen concentration was assessed by the method of chloramine T, so did I/III collagen ratio by immunohistochemical staining. The microstructure of myocardium was also observed by electron microscope.RESULTS:The activity of MMP-2 in myocardial ischemia group (group M) increased by 5.8 folds at 1 st week(P＜0.01), 2.3 folds at 2 nd week(P＜0.01) and 1.7 flods at 4 th week(P＜0.05) compared with control group (group C) and MMP-9's activity in group M increased by 4.9 folds (P＜0.01), 1.9 flods(P＜0.01) and 1.4 folds(P＜0.05), respectively. Collagen amount and I/III collagen ratio in group M increased compared with that in group C at 2 nd week and 4 th week. It showed that cardiac myocytes in group M were necrosed and collagen grew abundantly in interstitium under electron microscope.CONCLUSION:The activity of MMPs in the myocardial interstitium increased following myocardial ischemia, then collagen amount and I/III collagen ratio increased, which may be the major causes of ventricular remodeling.     

Regulation by reactive oxygen species of matrix metalloproteinase-1, 3 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in smooth muscle cells

AIM: To understand whether reactive oxygen species promote the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques by regulating the balance of matrix metalloproteinase-1, 3 (MMP-1, 3) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in smooth muscle cells. METHODS: Aortic smooth muscle cells from 4-6months-healthy abortive fetuses were incubated for 24 hours with xanthine (100 μmol/L) and xanthine oxidase (5 U/L) in vitro . MMP-1, 3 and TIMP-1 in the concentrated culture media were measured by Western blotting ( n =3 independent experiments). RESULTS: Incubation with xanthine/xanthine oxdiase decreased the amount of MMP-1 in the aortic smooth muscle cells (21.2%±5.5% of the control group), and pro-MMP-1 was activated completely. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) also activated pro-MMP-3, and increased the production of MMP-3 in the aortic smooth muscle cells. On the other hand, ROS inhibited the production of TIMP-1 in the aortic smooth muscle cells. CONCLUSION: It is complicated that ROS regulates the balance of MMPs and TIMPs. ROS may contribute to matrix degradation and the rupture in the atherosclerotic plaques.     

Regulation of MMP-2 and TIMP-3 expression by uPA signal transduction system in human bone giant cell tumor

AIM: To study effects of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) signal transduction on expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) in giant cell tumor of bone (GCT). METHODS: Expression of uPAR, MMP-2 and TIMP-3 in GCT tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Phosphorylation level of mitogen-activated protein kinase (p44) in uPA/uPAR signal pathway in cultured GCT cells was detected by immunoprecipitation. The expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-3 in cultured cells after treatment with uPA-ATF or anti-uPAR antibody was also detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: 1) Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) was positive on the cell membrane and in cytoplasm of some mononuclear stromal cells (MSCs) and multinucleated giant cells (MGCs); 2) MMP-2 was positive in the cytoplasm and on the cell membrane of almost all of MSCs and some of MGCs. The polar distribution of MMP-2 in the cytoplasm of MGCs was especially obvious; 3) The expression of TIMP-3 of some MSCs and MGCs in GCT was much lower than MMP-2. The positive signal also showed a prominent polarity; 4) After treatment with uPA-ATF, the phosphorylation level of p44 in GCT cultured cells was much higher than the control. Addition of anti-uPAR antibody in the cells remarkably down-regulated the phosphorylation level of p44 as compared with the control group, suggesting that uPA-ATF participates cell signal transduction and this reaction can be inhibited by anti-uPAR antibody; 5) uPA-ATF cell signal pathway up-regulated expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-3, while anti-uPAR antibody down-regulated the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-3. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate for the first time that uPA-ATF directly regulates the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-3 by signal transduction pathway, and the over-expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-3 may play an important role in local osteolysis of GCT.     

Effects of low-molecular weight heparin on MMP-2, TIMP-2 expression and invasiveness of cytotrophoblastic cells

AIM: To investigate the hypothesis that low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) regulates in vitro cytotrophoblast invasiveness and production of metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinas-2 (TIMP-2). METHODS: Chorionic villi tissue of normal 6-8 weeks pregnancy was obtained. Trophoblastic cells were collected by trypsin-collagenase digestion and Percoll gradient centrifugation. The cytotrophoblastic cells were cultured for 24 h and divided into 4 groups according to the concentrations (1.0×102 IU/L, 1.0×103 IU/L or 1.0×104 IU/L) of LMWH adding into the medium. The contents of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in cell culture supernatants were measured by the method of ELISA. Cytotrophoblast invasiveness was determined by Transwell chamber assay. RESULTS: With the increasing concentrations of LMWH, the invasion activity of cytotrophoblastic cells and MMP-2 secretion were increased. At concentration of 1.0×103IU/L, LMWH greatly enhanced cytotrophoblast invasiveness and the expression of MMP-2 (P<0.05). The levels of TIMP-2 were decreased after intervention with LMWH. At concentration of 1.0×103IU/L or 1.0×104 IU/L, LMWH induced a significant decrease in TIMP-2 expression. No significant difference between group 1×103IU/L and group 1.0×104 IU/L was observed (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: LMWH might regulate cytotrophoblast invasiveness in vitro by influencing the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in cytotrophoblastic cells.     

Effect of losartan on matrix metalloproteinases of myocardial extracellular matrix after infarction in the rat

AIM: To study the change of the activity of matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) in the infarcted intestitium of rat heart and the effect of Losartan on them. METHODS: 80 Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent the left descending coronary artery ligation, then being divided randomly into control, treated groups and sham operation group. After hemodynamic parameters were obtained,animals of 8 groups were killed at 4 timepoints ( day 3, day 7,day 14, day 42 after infarction ).Matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) activity in infarct zone was measured by zymography,so did collagen concentration in both ventricles by the method of chloramine T. RESULTS: The activity of MMPs in the infarcted zone showed a transient increase, which raiesd by 4.5 folds at day 3 (compared with the sham-operated group killed at day 3), 6.5 folds at day 7, and declined thereafter,being 2 folds at day 14, 1.5 folds at day 42. Losaran treatment was associated with significant attenuation of MMPs activity. The activity of MMP-1 (54 kD band) decreased 33%, so did the MMP-2 (58 kD and 62 kD bands) 50%. Compared with control groups, the hypertrophy of the left ventricle was regressed, the rate of LVW/BW dropped significantly at day 14 and day 42 ( P< 0.01) .The collagen concentration decreased at treated day 42 group( P< 0.01).For the regression of heart dysfuncton in Losartan groups, LVEDP demonstrated a slightly raise at day 3, then decreased at day 7,14,42, all of three groups’ systolic function are higher than that in the control ( P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The latent MMPs were activated after infarction, which resulted in the demage of the fibrillar network and dalitation of the left ventricle.Losartan not only attenuates the activity of MMPs but also prevents collagen synthesis, decreases the total collagen in the necrosis zone at the late stage after infaction, thus regressing the progress dysfuction of the infarcted heart and protecting the myocardium.