Detection of the Matrix Metalloproteinases MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 in Llama (Lama glama) Oviduct

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are involved in several reproductive events like oocyte–spermatozoa interaction and semen liquefaction. In order to study their role in the llama oviductal reproductive process, MMP activity in oviductal fluid (OF) was assayed. Considering that llama genome sequences are partially known, a strategy to procure cDNA sequences of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 was designed. Afterwards, their expression patterns in the different llama oviductal segments were assayed. Gelatine zymograms detected 62 and 94 kDa protease activities that matched MMP‐2 and pro‐MMP‐9, respectively. Expression pattern analysis showed that MMP and TIMP mRNAs were present in ampulla, isthmus, utero‐tubal junction (UTJ) and papilla. Altogether, these findings support the argument that MMPs/TIMPs are produced in the oviduct and secreted into the oviductal lumen. Our results encourage further studies to elucidate the role of these proteins in reproductive oviductal events.     

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 involvement in canine tumors

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes implicated in the degradation and remodeling of extracellular matrix and in vascularization. They are also involved in pathologic processes such as tumor invasion and metastasis in experimental cancer models and in human malignancies. We used gelatin zymography and immunohistochemistry to determine whether MMP-2 and MMP-9 are present in canine tumors and normal tissues and whether MMP production correlates with clinicopathologic parameters of prognostic importance. High levels of pro-MMP-9, pro-MMP-2, and active MMP-2 were detected in most canine tumors. Significantly higher MMP levels were measured in canine tumors than in nontumors, malignancies had higher MMP levels than benign tumors, and sarcomas had higher active MMP-2 than carcinomas. Cartilaginous tumors produced higher MMP levels than did nonsarcomatous malignancies, benign tumors, and normal tissues, and significantly greater MMP-2 than osteosarcomas and fibrosarcomas. Pro-MMP-9 production correlated with the histologic grade of osteosarcomas. The 62-kd form of active MMP-2 was detected only in high-grade, p53-positive, metastatic malignancies. Zymography proved to be a sensitive and quantitative technique for the assessment of MMP presence but has the limitation of requiring fresh tissue; immunohistochemistry is qualitative and comparatively insensitive but could be of value in archival studies. MMP presence was shown in a range of canine tumors, and their link to tumor type and grade was demonstrated for the first time. This study will allow a substantially improved evaluation of veterinary cancer patients and provides baseline information necessary for the design of clinical trials targeting MMPs.     

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 are activated in joint diseases.

A study was performed to identify the activation status of the gelatinase MMPs, MMP-2 and -9, in both normal and diseased equine articular tissues. In addition, the production and activation status of equine MMP-2 and -9 by equine articular cells and tissues in response to increasing IL-1beta concentrations was assessed. The study was performed to test the hypothesis that activation of MMPs is a fundamental step in the pathogenesis of joint diseases; and that this activation is mediated by the cytokine IL-1. Using purified equine MMP-2 and -9, the molecular weights of the zymogen and activated form of equine MMP-2 and -9 were identified by a combination of gelatin zymography and a gelatin degradation assay using aminophenylmercuric acetate as a chemical activator of the molecules. Normal equine articular tissues (cartilage and synovial membrane) maintained in short-term tissue culture produced MMP-2 zymogen alone, while similar tissues obtained from a variety of pathological conditions produce both zymogen and active MMP-2, as well as MMP-9 monomer and dimer. Activated MMP-9 was an inconsistent finding. Normal equine synovial fibroblasts in monolayer culture produced zymogen MMP-2 alone under basal conditions. A mild increase in active and zymogen MMP-2 levels occurred with IL-1beta treatment. Equine synovial membrane explants demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in active and zymogen MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels following IL-1beta treatment. Monolayer chondrocyte cell cultures demonstrated a dose-dependent mild increase in active and zymogen MMP-2 following IL-1beta treatment. Explant cartilage cultures demonstrated a dose-dependent mild increase in zymogen MMP-2 alone following IL-1beta treatment. This study supports the hypothesis that activation of MMPs is occurring in joint disease, and that in vitro stimulation of equine articular cells and tissues causes not only an increase in MMP production, but also an increase in amount of activated enzyme released. Further research is required to investigate the role of MMP activation in joint diseases, and to investigate the potential use of therapeutic agents, which inhibit MMP activation, in the treatment and prevention of joint diseases.     

The Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in Serum of Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Bitches

The aim of this study was to investigate, whether the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 in the serum of pregnant and non-pregnant bitches differs significantly. For this purpose, 81 blood samples were taken from pregnant bitches at days 5-13, 15-21, 24-31, 34-40 and 41-50 after mating, and 51 samples from non-pregnant animals at corresponding times. Relative enzyme activity, calculated as the percentage of serum enzyme activity on enzyme activity in a control sample, was determined with a commercially available assay after activation of serum MMPs with p-aminophenylmercuric acetate (APMA). In addition, serum oestradiol (E(2)) and progesterone (P(4)) concentrations were measured with an enzymeimmunoassay (EIA). In the pregnant bitches, at days 5-13 and 15-21 after mating, the mean activity of both MMPs was significantly higher than in non-pregnant animals (28.5% vs 24.5% and 27.7% vs 22.6%; p < 0.01). Moreover, in the pregnant bitches, significant correlations were detected between the serum enzyme activity and the serum concentrations of E(2) (-0.900; p < 0.05) and P(4) (+0.667; p < 0.05).     

黄体期和卵泡期小尾寒羊DIO2与DIO3组织表达

为分析DIO2和DIO3基因在小尾寒羊不同繁殖时期(黄体期和卵泡期)下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴各组织中的表达差异,阐明这2个基因在绵羊发情转换中的表达模式,实验采用实时荧光定量PCR(Real-time PCR)技术对比分析DIO2和DIO3基因在黄体期和卵泡期小尾寒羊下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴各组织中的表达差异。结果表明:DIO2和DIO3基因在下丘脑、垂体、松果体、大脑、小脑、卵巢、子宫、输卵管、肾脏、肾上腺10种组织中均表达;DIO2基因在黄体期和卵泡期的垂体组织中表达量显著高于其他组织(P<0.05),其中黄体期垂体、子宫、下丘脑、松果体、输卵管和卵巢DIO2的表达量显著高于卵泡期(P<0.05);DIO3在卵泡期松果体、下丘脑、子宫、垂体和输卵管的表达量显著高于黄体期(P<0.05)。综上,DIO2能抑制绵羊发情,而DIO3促进发情。     

Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 activity in bovine synovial fluids

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important enzymes found in connective tissues and thought to be involved in cartilage degradation. They are detectable in bovine synovial fluid and may play a destructive role in bovine septic arthritis. The MMP gelatinase enzymes were detected by gelatin zymography using image analysis of the gels. The active gelatinase levels were determined by a gelatin degradation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Increased concentrations of MMP-9 activity were found in the synovial fluids of cows with septic arthritis (P < 0.001) in comparison with fluids from normal joints. Using the gelatin degradation ELISA the net active gelatinases were measured, and significant increases were found in gelatinase bioactivities in synovial fluids from septic joint disease cases (P < 0.001). Increased concentrations of MMP-2 activity were found in the synovial fluids of cows with aseptic arthritis, which appeared to be playing an important role in degradation of articular cartilage in joint disease. This finding required further investigation.     

VEGF在家畜黄体早期发育过程中对血管生成的调控作用

对黄体时期VEGF依赖性血管生成的分子机制研究,将有助于我们开发新的策略用于治疗黄体相关的不孕症,以及改善动物的繁殖性能。论文对VEGF在家畜黄体血管生成过程中的调控作用进行综述,旨在为临床研究及畜牧生产提供理论依据及参考资料。     

基质金属蛋白酶参与椎间盘突出组织再吸收的研究进展

随着椎间盘退变中椎间盘组织再吸收现象越来越多被报道,作为其吸收机制中重要的因素之一,基质金属蛋白酶(MMPs)也越来越被人们所关注。论文介绍了退变椎间盘组织再吸收的现象,并对参与退变组织吸收过程的MMPs进行重点论述,通过MMPs与其他作用因素间关系的揭示,为临床应用MMPs局部注射治疗腰椎间盘突出症提供更加丰富的理论参考。     

Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 Activity in the Canine Uterus Before and During Placentation

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the presence and localization of MMP-2 and -9 by means of RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) within the canine uterus from the pre-implantation stage until mid-gestation and to determine MMP-2 and -9 activities by means of zymography. For this purpose, samples of the uterus and salpinx from bitches were obtained after ovariohysterectomy. Pre-implantation stages (5-12 days after mating, n = 11) were determined by verifying embryos after flushing the uterus. Further groups were determined as implantation (15-19 days after mating, n = 9), post-implantation (20-30 days after mating, n = 9) and placental stages (30-45 days after mating, n = 3). A non-pregnant group (17-30 days after mating, n = 4) served as control. MMP-2 and -9 positive cells were detected in all specimens from pregnant and nonpregnant bitches, however, with different distributions. MMP-2 was present in endothelium and smooth muscles of blood vessels and the myometrium of pregnant and nonpregnant bitches, additionally in the surface epithelium of the oviduct. The latter also stained positive for MMP-9. During placentation, MMP-2 was detected mainly in fetal blood vessels and trophoblastic cells. Higher MMP-2 activity was observed in the endometrium and myometrium of all pregnant groups compared with the nonpregnant group (p < 0.05). The pregnant groups did not differ significantly from each other (p > 0.05). MMP-9 was present in blood vessels, smooth muscle cells and epithelia, such as maternal surface epithelial cells, uterine crypts and glands. During placentation, the deep uterine glands and the epithelium of the glandular chambers were immunoreactive to MMP-9. Highest MMP-9 activities were reached in the endometrium of the pre-implantation group (23.2% of total MMP-9) and placental parts (33.3%).     

山东猪流感病毒H9N2亚型毒株的分离鉴定

近年来春秋和冬季在山东各地猪场不断出现疑似猪流感的呼吸道疾病 ,2002年10月到2003年2月 ,我们从山东发病猪场采集发病猪的鼻咽棉拭子和死亡猪的肺脏 ,接种SPF鸡胚 ,获得血凝性稳定且血凝价较高的尿囊液样品58份 ,对其中10个样品的亚型进行鉴定 ,并将具有代表性的一株病毒的血凝素全基因及其它基因进行了测序与分析。1检测与鉴定方法1.1SPF鸡胚、小白鼠分别由山东齐鲁制药厂和泰安生物制品厂提供。1.2疑似猪流感病猪样品的采集2002年10月 -2003年2月 ,从山东的济宁、宁阳、莘县、邹城、莱芜、梁山、莒南等地对疑似猪流感病例进行诊断 ,…     

Molecular Characterization of a H9N2 Subtype Swine Influenza Virus

The objective of this study was to explore the epidemic situation and pathogenic characteristics of swine influenza virus (SIV) in Shandong Province. In the spring of 2019, 130 swine nasal swab samples were collected from a slaughterhouse in Tai'an city, Shandong Province for virus isolation and identification. The whole genome of isolated virus was sequenced and analyzed. Meanwhile, 1 527 swine serum samples were collected from swine farms in 8 regions of Shandong province and their anti-SIV antibody were detected by HI assay using standard avian H9N2 antigen. The results showed that a H9N2 subtype influenza virus strain was isolated and named as A/swine/Shandong/TA009/2019(H9N2). The homology analysis showed that the isolated virus had close genetic relationship with A/environment-air/Kunshan/NIOSH-BL20/2018(H9N2) and A/environment-air/Kunshan/NIOSH-BL25/2018(H9N2), and the nucleotide homology of the gene fragments were above 99.5%. Phylogenetic analysis results demonstrated that HA and NA genes of the isolated virus belong to the Y280-like lineage, PB2 and M genes belong to the G1-like lineage, and PB1, PA, NP and NS genes belong to the SH/F98-like lineage. The cleavage site in HA protein is “PSRSSR/GL”, which was in accordance with the molecular biological characteristics of low pathogenic avian influenza virus.The position 216 of HA protein is L, and it has the ability to bind human-derived sialic acid α 2,6-Gal. The results of HI showed that 9 among 1 527 serum samples were positive with a positive rate of 0.59%. The isolated virus was swine-derived H9N2 virus, and serological investigations revealed that H9N2 subtype virus infection was present in swine herds in Shandong Province. The results of this study suggest that continuous surveillance of the SIV epidemiological situation and its pathogenic characteristics should be strengthened.     

Expression and Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Uterus of Bitches After Spontaneous and Induced Abortion

Aim of this study was to determine the intrauterine activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐2 and ‐9 after cessation of the local effect of progesterone. For this purpose, pregnancy was terminated in 10 bitches at mid‐gestation with the progesterone receptor antagonist aglepristone (10 mg/kg body weight, sc, Alizine^®; Virbac, France) at two subsequent days (group IRA = induced resorption/abortion). The IRA group was divided into two subgroups (Group I, n = 5, days 25–35 of pregnancy; group II, n = 5, days 36–45). Five further bitches were introduced with beginning abortion (group SRA = spontaneous resorption/abortion). Seven healthy bitches between day 25 and 45 of gestation served as controls. After ovariohysterectomy at the end of abortion and between days 25 and 45 of gestation, respectively, the distribution and activity of collagenases were investigated by immunohistochemistry and gelatin zymography. At placental sites, MMP‐2 activity in the endometrium was significantly lower in IRA groups than in the SRA group (33.7 ± 11.8% and 39.3 ± 5.4% vs 52.2 ± 10.2%, p < 0.05); however, MMP‐2 expression was lowest in the control group (control: 21.4 ± 6.3%; p < 0.01) and similarly in the myometrium (controls: 13.1 ± 2.5%; p < 0.05). MMP‐9 activity was also lower in the endometrium and myometrium of the control group in comparison to SRA and IRA groups (11.8 ± 3.2%; p < 0.01 and 28.4 ± 32.8%; p < 0.05). At interplacental sites, the amount of active collagenases in the myometrium was significantly lower in the control group. It is concluded that the blockade of the biological progesterone effect was associated with an increase in activity of both collagenases.     

1株猪源H9N2亚型流感病毒的分子特征

旨在进一步了解山东省猪流感的流行情况及其病原特征,笔者于2019年春季,在山东省泰安某屠宰场采集130份猪鼻拭子,进行病毒分离鉴定;并对分离病毒进行全基因组测序和分子特征分析;用禽H9N2亚型标准抗原联合血凝抑制方法检测2018—2019年从山东省8个地区猪场采集的1 527份猪血清样品中的猪流感病毒抗体。结果显示：分离到1株H9N2亚型流感病毒,命名为A/swine/Shandong/TA009/2019（H9N2）。分离病毒与A/environment-air/Kunshan/NIOSH-BL20/2018（H9N2）和A/environment-air/Kunshan/NIOSH-BL25/2018（H9N2）遗传关系最近,其基因片段的核苷酸相似性均在99.5%以上。分离病毒的HA和NA基因属于Y280-like分支,PB2和M基因属于G1-like分支,PB1、PA、NP和NS基因属于SH/F98-like分支。分离病毒HA蛋白裂解位点处的氨基酸序列为“PSRSSR/GL”,符合低致病性禽流感病毒的分子生物学特性。HA蛋白的216位为L,具有结合人源唾液酸α 2,6-Gal的能力。血清学分析结果显示,9份血清中H9N2抗体呈阳性,其总阳性率为0.59%。综上：本研究分离到1株猪源H9N2亚型流感病毒,并在猪血清中检测到H9N2抗体,提示应加强对猪流感的流行情况及其病原特征的持续监测。     

Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP‐2, MMP‐9) and their Inhibitors (TIMP‐1, TIMP‐2) in Canine Testis,Epididymis and Semen

This study aims to investigate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in determining semen quality and to evaluate the expression and cellular localization of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) and TIMP‐2 in the testes, epididymis and ejaculated spermatozoa. Gelatinase activities between normal (n = 21) and abnormal (n = 25) semen samples showed a significant, sixfold increase in proMMP‐2 and MMP‐2 activity in high than low sperm concentration samples (p < 0.001). ProMMP‐9 and MMP‐9 levels were significantly elevated in samples with low sperm counts compared to those with high sperm density (p < 0.001). High levels of proMMP‐2 and MMP‐2 were associated with high sperm motility (≥70%, p < 0.001). Sperm‐rich fraction showed significantly (eight‐fold) higher proMMP‐9 enzymatic activity compared with prostatic fraction. The mRNA expressions of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 were confirmed in testicular and epididymal tissues. Immunohistochemical staining illustrated the MMP‐2‐specific strong immunoreactivity in the head of mature spermatids during spermatogenesis, whereas MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 were absent in these cells. Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 immunoreactivity was observed in the spermatocyte and round spermatid, whereas TIMP‐1 was only exhibited in the residual bodies. Immunolabeling of epididymal and ejaculated sperm demonstrated MMP‐2 localization along acrosomal region of sperm, while MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 localization was merely limited to the flagella. In conclusion, spermatozoa initially acquire MMP‐2 during their formation at testicular level, and the presence of this protein persists through the epididymal transit and up to ejaculate. The enzymatic activity of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 may serve as an alternative biomarker in determining semen quality.     

广西猪源H9N2亚型流感病毒的分离与鉴定

用SPF鸡胚从广西地区猪群中分离到1株H9N2型猪流感病毒(SIV),经鸡胚接种3代后出现稳定的鸡血红细胞凝集效价为27,且凝集性能被H9亚型阳性血清抑制,而不被其他亚型流感病毒阳性血清所抑制.分离株的HA基因及NA基因扩增结果显示,该毒株HA基因与流感病毒H9亚型同源性最高,NA基因与流感病毒N2亚型同源性最高,说明...