Effect of fractalkine on the expression and secretion of MMP-2 in human monocytes

AIM: To study the effect of fractalkine (CX3CL1, Fkn) on the expression and secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in cultured human monocyte line U937 cells. METHODS: The cultured U937 cells were incubated with recombinant human Fkn, the supernatant of human renal mesangial cells (HRMC) and Fkn neutralizing antibodies for 24 h. The mRNA expression of MMP-2 was analyzed by RT-PCR. The production of MMP-2 in the supernatant was analyzed by gelatin zymography. RESULTS: The level of MMP-2 mRNA and protein in the cells incubated with recombinant human Fkn decreased compared to control group. Similarly, the level of MMP-2 mRNA in the cells incubated with the supernatant of HRMC reduced compared to control group. However, the level of MMP-2 mRNA and protein in the cells incubated with the supernatant of HRMC adding Fkn neutralizing antibodies increased compared to that incubated with the supernatant of HRMC. CONCLUSION: Fkn inhibits the expression and secretion of MMP-2 in cultured U937 cells. HRMC might mediate the expression and secretion of MMP-2 in U937 cells through Fkn.