Time trajectories and within-subject correlations of matrix metalloproteinases 3, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13 serum levels and their ability to predict mortality in polytraumatized patients: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Managing polytrauma victims poses a significant challenge to clinicians since applying the same therapy to patients with similar injury patterns may result in different outcomes. Using serum biomarkers hopefully allows for treating each multiple injured in the best possible individual way. Since matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play pivotal roles in various physiological processes, they might be a reliable tool in polytrauma care.

METHODS

We evaluated 24 blunt polytrauma survivors and 12 fatalities (mean age, 44.2 years, mean ISS, 45) who were directly admitted to our Level I trauma center and stayed at the intensive care unit for at least one night. We determined their MMP3, MMP8, MMP9, MMP10, MMP12, and MMP13 serum levels at admission (day 0) and on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10.

RESULTS

Median MMP8, MMP9, and MMP12 levels immediately rose after the polytrauma occurred; however, they significantly decreased from admission to day 1 and significantly increased from day 1 to day 10, showing similar time trajectories and (very) strong correlations between each two of the three enzyme levels assessed at the same measurement point. For a two-day lag, autocorrelations were significant for MMP8 (- 0.512) and MMP9 (- 0.302) and for cross-correlations between MMP8 and MMP9 (- 0.439), MMP8 and MMP12 (- 0.416), and MMP9 and MMP12 (- 0.307). Moreover, median MMP3, MMP10, and MMP13 levels significantly increased from admission to day 3 and significantly decreased from day 3 to day 10, showing similar time trajectories and an (almost) strong association between every 2 levels until day 7. Significant cross-correlations were detected between MMP3 and MMP10 (0.414) and MMP13 and MMP10 (0.362). Finally, the MMP10 day 0 level was identified as a predictor for in-hospital mortality. Any increase of the MMP10 level by 200 pg/mL decreased the odds of dying by 28.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

The time trajectories of the highly varying individual MMP levels elucidate the involvement of these enzymes in the endogenous defense response following polytrauma. Similar time courses of MMP levels might indicate similar injury causes, whereas lead-lag effects reveal causative relations between several enzyme pairs. Finally, MMP10 abundantly released into circulation after polytrauma might have a protective effect against dying.

Periodontitis exacerbation during pregnancy in mice: Role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor as a key inductor

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to investigate the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the exacerbation of pregestational periodontal disease (PGPD).

BACKGROUND

Periodontitis (PT) is a severe stage of periodontal disease characterized by inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth, which usually worsens during pregnancy. MIF is a proinflammatory cytokine that is significantly elevated in periodontitis, both at the beginning and at the end of pregnancy. Although periodontitis usually presents with greater severity during pregnancy, the participation of MIF in the evolution of periodontitis has not been established.

METHODS

To analyze the relevance of MIF in the exacerbation of PGPD, we employed a model of PGPD in WT and Mif-/- mice, both with a BALB/c genetic background. PT was induced with nylon suture ligatures placed supramarginally around the second upper right molar. For PGPD, PT was induced 2 weeks before mating. We evaluated histological changes and performed histometric analysis of the clinical attachment loss, relative expression of MMP-2 and MMP-13 by immunofluorescence, and relative expression of the cytokines mif, tnf-α, ifn-γ, and il-17 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS

Our data revealed that periodontal tissue from PGPD WT mice produced a twofold increase in MIF compared with PT WT mice. Moreover, the evolution of periodontitis in Mif-/- mice was less severe than in PGDP WT mice. Periodontal tissue from Mif-/- mice with PGPD produced 80% less TNF-α and no IFN-γ, as well as 50% lower expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and 25% less MMP-13 compared to WT PGDP mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that MIF plays an important role in the exacerbation of periodontitis during pregnancy and that MIF is partially responsible for the inflammation associated with the severity of periodontitis during pregnancy.

The complement factor H-related protein-5 (CFHR5) exacerbates pathological bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by excessive new bone formation. We previously reported that the complement factor H-related protein-5 (CFHR5), a member of the human factor H protein family, is significantly elevated in patients with AS compared to other rheumatic diseases. However, the pathophysiological mechanism underlying new bone formation by CFHR5 is not fully understood. In this study, we revealed that CFHR5 and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-23) were elevated in the AS group compared to the HC group. Correlation analysis revealed that CFHR5 levels were not significantly associated with proinflammatory cytokines, while CFHR5 levels in AS were only positively correlated with the high CRP group. Notably, treatment with soluble CFHR5 has no effect on clinical arthritis scores and thickness at hind paw in curdlan-injected SKG, but significantly increased the ectopic bone formation at the calcaneus and tibia bones of the ankle as revealed by micro-CT image and quantification. Basal CFHR5 expression was upregulated in AS-osteoprogenitors compared to control cells. Also, treatment with CFHR5 remarkedly induced bone mineralization status of AS-osteoprogenitors during osteogenic differentiation accompanied by MMP13 expression. We provide the first evidence demonstrating that CFHR5 can exacerbate the pathological bone formation of AS. Therapeutic modulation of CFHR5 could be promising for future treatment of AS. KEY MESSAGES: Serum level of CFHR5 is elevated and positively correlated with high CRP group of AS patients. Recombinant CFHR5 protein contributes to pathological bone formation in in vivo model of AS. CFHR5 is highly expressed in AS-osteoprogenitors compared to disease control. Recombinant CFHR5 protein increased bone mineralization accompanied by MMP13 in vitro model of AS.

CXCL8, MMP12, and MMP13 are common biomarkers of periodontitis and oral squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To analysis the relationship between periodontitis (PD) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by bioinformatic analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed the gene expression profiles of PD (GSE16134) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and OSCC samples from TCGA-HNSC (head and neck squamous cell carcinoma) and identified common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PD and OSCC. Then, functional annotation and signaling pathway enrichment, protein interaction network construction, and hub gene identification were performed. Subsequently, the function and signaling pathway enrichment of hub genes, miRNA interaction, and transcription factor interaction analyses were carried out. We analyzed GSE10334 and GSE30784 as validation datasets, and performed qRT-PCR experiments simultaneously for validation, and obtained 4 hub genes. Finally, immune infiltration analysis and clinical correlation analysis of 4 hub genes and related miRNAs were performed.

RESULTS

We identified 31 DEGs (16 up-regulated and 15 down-regulated). Four hub genes were obtained by qRT-PCR and validation dataset analysis, including IL-1β, CXCL8, MMP12, and MMP13. The expression levels of them were all significantly upregulated in both diseases. The functions of these genes focus on three areas: neutrophil chemotaxis, migration, and CXCR chemokine receptor binding. Key pathways include IL-17 signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions pathway. Immune infiltration analysis showed that the expressions of 4 hub genes were closely related to a variety of immune cells. ROC curve analysis indicated that AUCs of 4 hub genes are all greater than 0.7, among which MMP12 and MMP13 were greater than 0.9. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that worse OS was strongly correlated with CXCL8 and MMP13 high-expression groups. MMP12 low-expression group was strongly associated with worse OS. The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, N stage, CXCL8, MMP12, and MMP13 were independent prognostic factors for OS. We also identified 3 miRNAs, including hsa-miR-19b-3p, hsa-miR-181b-2-3p, and hsa-miR-495-3p, that were closely related to 4 hub genes. Hsa-miR-495-3p is closely related to the diagnosis and prognosis of OSCC.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified 4 hub genes between PD and OSCC, including IL-1β, CXCL8, MMP12, and MMP13. These genes may mediate the co-morbid process of PD and OSCC through inflammation-related pathways such as the IL-17 signaling pathway. It is worth noting that CXCL8, MMP12, and MMP13 have great significance in the diagnosis and prognosis of OSCC.

Identification and Verification of Novel Biomarkers Involving Rheumatoid Arthritis with Multimachine Learning Algorithms: An In Silicon and In Vivo Study

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains one of the most prevalent chronic joint diseases. However, due to the heterogeneity among RA patients, there are still no robust diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of RA.

Methods

We retrieved RA-related and pan-cancer information datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases, respectively. Six gene expression profiles and corresponding clinical information of GSE12021, GSE29746, GSE55235, GSE55457, GSE77298, and GSE89408 were adopted to perform differential expression gene analysis, enrichment, and immune component difference analyses of RA. Four machine learning algorithms, including LASSO, RF, XGBoost, and SVM, were used to identify RA-related biomarkers. Unsupervised cluster analysis was also used to decipher the heterogeneity of RA. A four-signature-based nomogram was constructed and verified to specifically diagnose RA and osteoarthritis (OA) from normal tissues. Consequently, RA-HFLS cell was utilized to investigate the biological role of CRTAM in RA. In addition, comparisons of diagnostic efficacy and biological roles among CRTAM and other classic biomarkers of RA were also performed.

Results

Immune and stromal components were highly enriched in RA. Chemokine- and Th cell-related signatures were significantly activated in RA tissues. Four promising and novel biomarkers, including CRTAM, PTTG1IP, ITGB2, and MMP13, were identified and verified, which could be treated as novel treatment and diagnostic targets for RA. Nomograms based on the four signatures might aid in distinguishing and diagnosing RA, which reached a satisfactory performance in both training (AUC = 0.894) and testing (AUC = 0.843) cohorts. Two distinct subtypes of RA patients were identified, which further verified that these four signatures might be involved in the immune infiltration process. Furthermore, knockdown of CRTAM could significantly suppress the proliferation and invasion ability of RA cell line and thus could be treated as a novel therapeutic target. CRTAM owned a great diagnostic performance for RA than previous biomarkers including MMP3, S100A8, S100A9, IL6, COMP, LAG3, and ENTPD1. Mechanically, CRTAM could also be involved in the progression through immune dysfunction, fatty acid metabolism, and genomic instability across several cancer subtypes.

Conclusion

CRTAM, PTTG1IP, ITGB2, and MMP13 were highly expressed in RA tissues and might function as pivotal diagnostic and treatment targets by deteriorating the immune dysfunction state. In addition, CRTAM might fuel cancer progression through immune signals, especially among RA patients.

Mechanism of pro-MMP9 activation in co-culture of pro-inflammatory macrophages and cardiomyocytes

OBJECTIVE

A wide range of cardiac diseases is associated with inflammation. "Inflamed" heart tissue is infiltrated with pro-inflammatory macrophages which extensively secrete matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), a regulator of extracellular matrix turnover. As MMP9 is released from macrophages in a latent form, it requires activation. The present study addresses the role of cardiomyocytes in the course of this activation process.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In mono- and co-cultures of pro-inflammatory rat macrophages (bone marrow-derived and peritoneal) and cardiomyocytes (H9C2 cell line) gelatin zymography demonstrated that activated macrophages robustly secreted latent pro-MMP9, whereas cardiomyocytes could not produce the enzyme. Co-culturing of the two cell species was critical for pro-MMP9 activation and was also accompanied by processing of cardiomyocyte-secreted pro-MMP2. A cascade of pro-MMP9 activation was initiated on macrophage membrane with pro-MMP2 cleavage. Namely, pro-inflammatory macrophages expressed an active membrane type 1 MMP (MT1MMP), which activated pro-MMP2, which in turn converted pro-MMP9. Downregulation of MT1MMP in macrophages by siRNA abolished activation of both pro-MMP2 and pro-MMP9 in co-culture. In addition, both cell species secreted MMP13 as a further pro-MMP9 activator. In co-culture, activation of pro-MMP13 occurred on membranes of macrophages and was enhanced in presence of active MMP2. Using incubations with recombinant MMPs and isolated macrophage membranes, we demonstrated that while both MMP2 and MMP13 individually had the ability to activate pro-MMP9, their combined action provided a synergistic effect.

CONCLUSION

Activation of pro-MMP9 in a co-culture of pro-inflammatory macrophages and cardiomyocytes was the result of a complex interaction of several MMPs on the cell membrane and in the extracellular space. Both cell types contributed critically to pro-MMP9 processing.

TGF-β1 Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation and Abnormal Angiogenesis in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Evidence from RNA Sequencing and Animal Studies

OBJECTIVE

Mechanisms involved in developing intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) are poorly understood, thus making developing effective therapies difficult. This study aimed to suggest a possible molecular mechanism, based on transcriptome sequencing-identified transforming growth factor (TGF-β), underlying the effects on bone homeostasis in IDD.

METHODS

A mouse model for IDD was established. Transcriptome sequencing of nucleus pulposus tissue from mice (n = 3) identified differentially expressed mRNAs and key genes impacting bone homeostasis. A protein-protein interaction network pinpointed core genes. GO and KEGG analysis revealed gene functions. Expression levels of TGF-β1, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and cathepsin K (CTSK) were measured. Micro-CT evaluated vertebral structures and vascular imaging. Western Blot measured expression levels of Vegf, Opn, MMP3, and MMP13. Safranin O-Fast Green and TRAP staining were performed on intervertebral discs and endplates.

RESULTS

Transcriptomic analysis found 1790 differentially expressed mRNAs in IDD mice. Twenty-eight genes related to bone homeostasis in IDD were identified. TGF-β1 was confirmed as the core gene. GO and KEGG showed TGF-β1 regulates osteoclast markers like CTSK and TRAP through pathways including NF-κB and MAPK. Experimental validation revealed lower TGF-β1 expression in IDD mice than controls, and increased TRAP and CTSK expression. Micro-CT showed decreased bone mass and intervertebral disc space in IDD mice. Vascular imaging showed increased vascular volume in IDD cartilaginous endplates. Western blot displayed increased VEGF and OPN levels, but decreased MMP3 and MMP13 in IDD mice. Safranin O-fast green staining revealed severe IDD degeneration. However, TGF-β1 injection improved bone parameters in IDD mice. In vitro experiments confirmed TGF-β1 inhibits bone marrow macrophages differentiation into osteoclasts.

CONCLUSION

From our data, we conclude that TGF-β1 repressed osteoclast differentiation and aberrant bone-associated angiogenesis in cartilage endplates (EPs) to alleviate IDD, which may be instrumental for the therapeutic targeting of IDD.

Hsa_circ_0004662 Accelerates the Progression of Osteoarthritis via the microRNA-424-5p/VEGFA Axis

OBJECTIVE

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been extensively implicated in osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Therefore, this study explores the impact of hsa_circ_0004662 on OA progression and the related molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Human articular chondrocyte injury was induced by IL-1β to construct the OA model in vitro. Hsa_circ_0004662 and microRNA (miR)-424-5p expression in chondrocytes was evaluated with qRT-PCR. Vascular endothelial growth factors A (VEGFA) expression was examined with qRT-PCR and western blot after hsa_circ_0004662 knockdown or miR-424-5p overexpression in chondrocytes. Subsequent to loss- and gain-of-function assays in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes, the proliferation and apoptosis of chondrocytes were assessed with CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of MMP13, Aggrecan, and apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2 was measured with western blot. The binding of miR-424-5p to hsa_circ_0004662 and VEGFA was assessed with a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay.

RESULTS

Hsa_circ_0004662 was up-regulated, but miR-424-5p was down-regulated in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. Mechanistically, both hsa_circ_0004662 and VEGFA bound to miR-424-5p, and hsa_circ_0004662 enhanced VEGFA expression by downregulating miR-424-5p. Hsa_circ_0004662 knockdown elevated cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis and MMP13 and Bax expression, and increased Aggrecan and Bcl- 2 expression in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes, which was counteracted by further miR- 424-5p down-regulation or VEGFA overexpression.

CONCLUSION

Hsa_circ_0004662 facilitates OA progression via the miR-424-5p/ VEGFA axis.

Multidimensional analysis to elucidate the possible mechanism of bone metastasis in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) patients tend to suffer from distant metastasis, especially bone metastasis.

METHODS

All the analysis based on open-accessed data was performed in R software, dependent on multiple algorithms and packages. The RNA levels of specific genes were detected using quantitative Real-time PCR as a method of detecting the RNA levels. To assess the ability of BC cells to proliferate, we utilized the CCK8 test, colony formation, and the 5-Ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine assay. BC cells were evaluated for invasion and migration by using Transwell assays and wound healing assays.

RESULTS

In our study, we identified the molecules involved in BC bone metastasis based on the data from multiple BC cohorts. Then, we comprehensively investigated the effect pattern and underlying biological role of these molecules. We found that in the identified molecules, the EMP1, ACKR3, ITGA10, MMP13, COL11A1, and THY1 were significantly correlated with patient prognosis and mainly expressed in CAFs. Therefore, we explored the CAFs in the BC microenvironment. Results showed that CAFs could activate multiple carcinogenic pathways and most of these pathways play an important role in cancer metastasis. Meanwhile, we noticed the interaction between CAFs and malignant, endothelial, and M2 macrophage cells. Moreover, we found that CAFs could induce the remodeling of the BC microenvironment and promote the malignant behavior of BC cells. Then, we identified MMP13 for further analysis. It was found that MMP13 can enhance the malignant phenotype of BC cells. Meanwhile, biological enrichment and immune infiltration analysis were conducted to present the effect pattern of MMP13 in BC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our result can improve the understanding of researchers on the underlying mechanisms of BC bone metastasis.

Battling colorectal cancer via s-triazine-based MMP-10/13 inhibitors armed with electrophilic warheads for concomitant ferroptosis induction; the first-in-class dual-acting agents

There is an increasing interest in halting CRC by combining ferroptosis with other forms of tumor cell death. However, ferroptosis induction is seldom studied in tandem with inhibiting MMPs. A combination that is expected to enhance the therapeutic outcome based on mechanistic ferroptosis studies highlighting the interplay with MMPs, especially MMP-13 associated with CRC metastasis and poor prognosis. Herein, we report new hybrid triazines capable of simultaneous MMP-10/13 inhibition and ferroptosis induction bridging the gap between their anticancer potentials. The MMP-10/13 inhibitory component of the scaffold was based on the non-hydroxamate model inhibitors. s-Triazine was rationalized as the core inspired by altretamine, an FDA-approved ferroptosis inducer. The ferroptosis pharmacophores were then installed as Michael acceptors via triazole-based spacers. The electrophilic reactivity was tuned by incorporating cyano and/or substituted phenyl groups influencing their electronic and steric properties and enriching the SAR study. Initial screening revealed the outstanding cytotoxicity profiles of the nitrophenyl-tethered chalcone 5e and the cyanoacrylohydrazides bearing p-fluorophenyl 9b and p-bromophenyl 9d appendages. 9b and 9d surpassed NNGH against MMP-10 and -13, especially 9d (IC50 = 0.16 μM). Ferroptosis studies proved that 9d depleted GSH in HCT-116 cells by a relative fold decrement of 0.81 with modest direct GPX4 inhibition, thus inducing lipid peroxidation, the hallmark of ferroptosis, by 1.32 relative fold increment. Docking presumed that 9d could bind to the MMP-10 S1' pocket and active site His221, extend through the MMP-13 hydrophobic pocket, and interact covalently with the GPX4 catalytic selenocysteine. 9d complexed with ferrous oxide nanoparticles was 7.5 folds more cytotoxic than its free precursor against HCT-116 cells. The complex-induced intracellular iron overload, depleted GSH with a relative fold decrement of 0.12, consequently triggering lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis by a 3.94 relative fold increment. Collectively, 9d could be a lead for tuning MMPs selectivity and ferroptosis induction potential to maximize the benefit of such a combination.

[Effect of ultrasonic curettage combined with sodium hyaluronate gel on chronic periodontitis and its effect on inflammatory factors hs-CRP, MCP-1 and MMP-13 in gingival crevicular fluid]

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of ultrasonic curettage combined with sodium hyaluronate gel in the treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP) and the effect on inflammatory factor hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) in gingival crevicular fluid.

METHODS

A total of 102 patients with CP from October 2021 to October 2022 were selected, divided into experimental group (n=51) and control group (n=51) by random number table method. The control group received ultrasonic subgingival curetage, and the experimental group received sodium hyaluronate gel adjuvant therapy on the basis of the control group. The periodontal rehabilitation indexes, clinical efficacy and the changes of gingival crevicular fluid hs-CRP, MCP-1 and MMP-13 were compared between the two groups. The periodontal pathogens, bone metabolism indexes and the occurrence of adverse events during treatment were compared between the two groups. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software package.

RESULTS

After treatment, the sulcus bleeding index (SBI), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PLI), periodontal pocket depth (PD) and attachment level (AL) of the two groups were significantly lower than before treatment (P＜0.05), and even significantly lower(P＜0.05) in the experimental group. Total effective rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P＜0.05). hs-CRP, MCP-1 and MMP-13 in both groups after treatment were significantly lower than before treatment(P＜0.05), and hs-CRP, MCP-1 and MMP-13 in the experimental group after treatment were significantly lower than those in the control group(P＜0.05). The detection rates of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Forsetanella and Treponema dentalis were significantly lower in both groups after treatment than before treatment (P＜0.05), and the detection rates of the above indexes in the experimental group after treatment were significantly lower than those in the control group(P＜0.05). After treatment, the C-terminal peptide(CTX) of type Ⅰ collagen was significantly lower than that before treatment, and bone gla protein(BGP) was significantly higher than that before treatment(P＜0.05). The CTX and BGP of the experimental group were significantly lower than that of the control group and significantly higher than that of the control group(P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of total adverse reactions between the two groups(P＞0.05). CONCLUSIONS：Ultrasonic curettage combined with sodium hyaluronate gel in the treatment of CP can promote periodontal tissue rehabilitation, enhance short-term efficacy, inhibit synthesis of inflammatory factors in gingival crevicular fluid, kill periodontal pathogens, regulate bone metabolism, and is safe and reliable.

Presence of host and bacterial-derived collagenolytic proteases in carious dentin: a systematic review of ex vivo studies

Introduction and aim

The presence of host collagenases in the degradation of the protein matrix at later stages of carious dentin lesions development, as well as the potential involvement of bacterial collagenases, have been suggested but lack conclusive evidence. This study aims to conduct a systematic review to comprehensively assess the profile of host and bacterial-derived collagenolytic proteases in both root and coronal dentin carious lesions.

Methods

The search was performed in eight databases and the grey literature. Studies evaluating ex vivo dentin, extracted teeth, or biofilms from natural caries lesions were included. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Synthesis of the results and the certainty of evidence were performed following the Synthesis without Meta-analysis (SWiM) checklist and GRADE approach for narrative synthesis, respectively.

Results

From 935 recovered articles, 18 were included. Although the evidence was very uncertain, it was possible to suggest that 1) MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, and CT-B may be increased in carious dentin when compared to sound dentin; 2) there is no difference in MMP-2 presence, while MMP-13 may be increased in root when compared to coronal carious dentin; 3) there is no difference of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression/activity before and after cavity sealing; 4) MMP-8 may be increased in the dentin before cavity sealing compared to dentin after cavity sealing; 5) there is no difference of MMP-20 in irradiated vs. non-irradiated carious dentin. MMP-20 probably reduces in carious outer dentin when compared to carious inner dentin (moderate certainty). Genes encoding bacterial collagenolytic proteases and protein-degrading bacteria were detected in coronal and root carious lesions.

Conclusion

Trends in the direction of the effect were observed for some collagenolytic proteases in carious dentin, which may represent a potential target for the development of new treatments. (Protocol register-PROSPERO: CRD42020213141).

[Emodin alleviates joint inflammation and bone erosion in rats with collagen-induced arthritis by inhibiting ferroptosis and degrading matrix metalloproteinases]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the osteoprotective mechanism of emodin in light of the ferroptosis signaling pathway in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

SD rat models of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were treated with methotrexate or low or high doses of emodin, and the changes in arthritis scores and toe volume were recorded. model of CIA rats. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the joint cartilage was determined, and ankle joint tissue pathologies were observed using caffein solid green staining and hematoxylin-spermine red staining. MMP3 and MMP13 expressions in the ankle joint tissues were detected using immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of ACSL4, SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1.

RESULTS

Compared with the normal control rats, the CIA rats showed significantly increased arthritis score index with obvious toe swelling (P<0.05), rough cartilage surface, and loss and irregular aligment of chondrocytes. The rat models also showed significantly increased MDA and ACSL4 contents, lowered SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1 contents (P<0.05), and decreased expressions of MMP3 and MMP13 in the ankle joint (P<0.05). The rat models treated with either methotrexate or emodin (40 and 80 mg/kg) had significantly reduced arthritis score index and toe swelling with smooth cartilage surface and neat arrangement of the chondrocytes. The treatments with methotrexate and emodin both decreased the contents of MDA and ACSL4 and increased the contents of SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1 in the joint tissues (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Emodin can effectively control joint inflammation and improve joint bone erosion in CIA rats possibly by inhibiting the ferroptosis signaling pathways and reducing the expressions of MMP3 and MMP13.

Ecliptasaponin A attenuates renal fibrosis by regulating the extracellular matrix of renal tubular cells

Renal fibrosis is the most common manifestation of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), including diabetic kidney disease (DKD), but there is no effective treatment in renal fibrosis. Natural products are a rich source of clinical drug research and have been used in the clinical research of various diseases. In this study, we searched for traditional Chinese medicine monomers that attenuate fibrosis and assessed their effect on the fibrosis marker connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in cells which we found ecliptasaponin A. Subsequently, we evaluated the effect of ecliptasaponin A on renal fibrosis in the classic renal fibrosis unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model and found that ecliptasaponin A could reduce the renal collagen fiber deposition and renal extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression in UUO mice. In vitro, ecliptasaponin A can inhibit ECM protein expression in human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells induced by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFβ1). To further clarify the mechanism of ecliptasaponin A in attenuating renal fibrosis, we performed transcriptome sequencing of HK-2 cells treated with TGFβ1 and ecliptasaponin A. The functions and pathways were mainly enriched in the extracellular matrix and TGFβ signalling pathway. Matrix metalloproteinase 10 (MMP10) and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) are the main differentially expressed genes in extracellular matrix regulation. Then, we measured MMP10 and MMP13 in the cells and found that ecliptasaponin A had a significant inhibitory effect on MMP13 expression but not on MMP10 expression. Furthermore, we overexpressed MMP13 in HK-2 cells treated with TGFβ1 and found that MMP13 promoted HK-2 cell injury. Our findings suggest that ecliptasaponin A can attenuate renal fibrosis, which may provide a new method for treating renal fibrosis clinically.

A novel immune-related prognostic signature based on Chemoradiotherapy sensitivity predicts long-term survival in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

There is a heterogenous clinical response following chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Therefore, we aimed to study signaling pathway genes that affect CRT sensitivity and prognosis.

Methods

Gene expression analyses were performed in the GEO and TCGA datasets. A immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis was performed in pretreatment biopsies.

Results

MMP13 was found to be highly expressed in the "Pathologic Complete Response (pCR)" and "Complete Remission (CR)" and "Alive" groups. Th17 cells and MMP9/13 showed a negative correlation in immune infiltration analysis. In GSEA analysis, IL-4 and IL-13 signaling pathways were highly enriched in patients exhibiting high MMP expression in pCR and CR groups. IHC results suggested higher MMP13 & IL-4 and lower IL-17A & RORC expression in the CR group compared to the 0.70, and the model could well distinguish high-risk and low-risk subgroups.

Conclusion

The above results may provide guidance for developing novel treatment and prognostic strategies in ESCC patients.

[Injectable hydrogel microspheres experimental research for the treatment of osteoarthritis]

Objective

To prepare a novel hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA) hydrogel microspheres loaded polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-diclofenac sodium (POSS-DS) patricles, then investigate its physicochemical characteristics and in vitro and in vivo biological properties.

Methods

Using sulfhydryl POSS (POSS-SH) as a nano-construction platform, polyethylene glycol and DS were chemically linked through the "click chemistry" method to construct functional nanoparticle POSS-DS. The composition was analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the morphology was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. In order to achieve drug sustained release, POSS-DS was encapsulated in HAMA, and hybrid hydrogel microspheres were prepared by microfluidic technology, namely HAMA@POSS-DS. The morphology of the hybrid hydrogel microspheres was characterized by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The in vitro degradation and drug release efficiency were observed. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and live/dead staining were used to detect the effect on chondrocyte proliferation. Moreover, a chondrocyte inflammation model was constructed and cultured with HAMA@POSS-DS. The relevant inflammatory indicators, including collagen type Ⅱ, aggrecan (AGG), matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13), recombinant A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin 5 (Adamts5), and recombinant tachykinin precursor 1 (TAC1) were detected by immunofluorescence staining and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, with normal cultured chondrocytes and the chondrocyte inflammation model without treatment as control group and blank group respectively to further evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity. Finally, by constructing a rat model of knee osteoarthritis, the effectiveness of HAMA@POSS-DS on osteoarthritis was evaluated by X-ray film and Micro-CT examination.

Results

The overall particle size of POSS-DS nanoparticles was uniform with a diameter of about 100 nm. HAMA@POSS-DS hydrogel microspheres were opaque spheres with a diameter of about 100 μm and a spherical porous structure. The degradation period was 9 weeks, during which the loaded POSS-DS nanoparticles were slowly released. CCK-8 and live/dead staining showed no obvious cytotoxicity at HAMA@POSS-DS, and POSS-DS released by HAMA@POSS-DS significantly promoted cell proliferation (P<0.05). In the chondrocyte anti-inflammatory experiment, the relative expression of collagen type Ⅱ mRNA in HAMA@POSS-DS group was significantly higher than that in control group and blank group (P<0.05). The relative expression level of AGG mRNA was significantly higher than that of blank group (P<0.05). The relative expressions of MMP-13, Adamts5, and TAC1 mRNA in HAMA@POSS-DS group were significantly lower than those in blank group (P<0.05). In vivo experiments showed that the joint space width decreased after operation in rats with osteoarthritis, but HAMA@POSS-DS delayed the process of joint space narrowing and significantly improved the periarticular osteophytosis (P<0.05).

Conclusion

HAMA@POSS-DS can effectively regulate the local inflammatory microenvironment and significantly promote chondrocyte proliferation, which is conducive to promoting cartilage regeneration and repair in osteoarthritis.

Astaxanthin: A Marine Drug That Ameliorates Cerebrovascular-Damage-Associated Alzheimer's Disease in a Zebrafish Model via the Inhibition of Matrix Metalloprotease-13

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major type of dementia disorder. Common cognitive changes occur as a result of cerebrovascular damage (CVD) via the disruption of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13). In diabetic cases, the progress of vascular dementia is faster and the AD rate is higher. Patients with type 2 diabetes are known to have a higher risk of the factor for AD progression. Hence, this study is designed to investigate the role of astaxanthin (AST) in CVD-associated AD in zebrafish via the inhibition of MMP-13 activity. CVD was developed through the intraperitoneal and intracerebral injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The AST (10 and 20 mg/L), donepezil (1 mg/L), and MMP-13 inhibitor (i.e., CL-82198; 10 μM) were exposed for 21 consecutive days in CVD animals. The cognitive changes in zebrafish were evaluated through light and dark chamber tests, a color recognition test, and a T-maze test. The biomarkers of AD pathology were assessed via the estimation of the cerebral extravasation of Evans blue, tissue nitrite, amyloid beta-peptide aggregation, MMP-13 activity, and acetylcholinesterase activity. The results revealed that exposure to AST leads to ameliorative behavioral and biochemical changes. Hence, AST can be used for the management of AD due to its multi-targeted actions, including MMP-13 inhibition.

The checkpoint inhibitor PD-1H/VISTA controls osteoclast-mediated multiple myeloma bone disease

Multiple myeloma bone disease is characterized by the development of osteolytic bone lesions. Recent work identified matrix metalloproteinase 13 as a myeloma-derived fusogen that induces osteoclast activation independent of its proteolytic activity. We now identify programmed death-1 homolog, PD-1H, as the bona fide MMP-13 receptor on osteoclasts. Silencing PD-1H or using Pd-1h^-/- bone marrow cells abrogates the MMP-13-enhanced osteoclast fusion and bone-resorptive activity. Further, PD-1H interacts with the actin cytoskeleton and plays a necessary role in supporting c-Src activation and sealing zone formation. The critical role of PD-1H in myeloma lytic bone lesions was confirmed using a Pd-1h^-/- myeloma bone disease mouse model wherein myeloma cells injected into Pd-1h^-/-Rag2^-/- results in attenuated bone destruction. Our findings identify a role of PD-1H in bone biology independent of its known immunoregulatory functions and suggest that targeting the MMP-13/PD-1H axis may represent a potential approach for the treatment of myeloma associated osteolysis.

In vitro and in vivo anti-osteoarthritis effects of tradition Chinese prescription Ji-Ming-San

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ji-Ming-Shan (JMS) is a traditional herbal prescription consisting of seven herbs including Areca cathechu Burm.f., Citrus reticulata Blanco, Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai, Euodia ruticarpa (A. Juss.) Benth., Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.). It was first recorded during the Song dynasty and has been used extensively for protection against rheumatism, treatment of swelling of tendons, relief from foot pain, gout and diuresis and other forms of inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoarthritis activity of JMS extracts with the use of different cell lines (RAW 264.7 cells, SW1353 cells and primary cultured rat chondrocytes). MIA-induced rat animal models were used to assess the anti-osteoarthritis activity of the extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of JMS-95E on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes. For the in vivo study, male Wistar rats were used and they were randomly assigned in different groups: blank, control, positive control and three different JMS-95E treatment groups (200, 400, 800 mg/kg/d). Paw edema, hind-limb weight bearing, serum inflammatory cytokines including hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining experiments were used to assess the efficacy of the extract in the rat model.

RESULT

JMS 95% ethanol extract (JMS-95E, marker substance: narirutin (5.10 mg/g) and hesperidin (11.33 mg/g) has been identified in the extract using high pressure liquid chromatography. For in vitro assays, JMS-95E did not exhibit cytotoxicity and was able to downregulate the protein expression of iNOS, COX-2 and MMP-13. The production of inflammatory mediators such as NO and PGE₂ were also reduced with an increase in dose-dependent manner in various cell lines. Inhibitory activity on the key enzyme xanthine oxidase was also observed in this study. In rat animal models, JMS-95E reduced the inflammatory responses such as acute swelling, chondrocyte degradation and pain section of paw edema in rat model. Molecular marker studies of inflammation demonstrated that JMS-95E significantly decrease PGE₂ expression in MIA model.

CONCLUSION

JMS-95E inhibited the inflammatory pathway leading to the production or expression levels of NO, iNOS, COX-2 and PGE₂ in macrophage cells. In primary cultured rat chondrocytes iNOS and SW1353 MMP-13 expression were downregulated after JMS-95E treatment. For the in vivo study JMS-95E significantly reduced the paw volume of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema through each dose and significantly inhibited paw volume, counterweight the distribution of hind-paw weight bearing through the MIA model which means JMS-95E could promote recovery of the acute swelling and chondrocyte degradation of the ankle joints. The above results provided the multiple mechanism of JMS-95E in OA treatment of the scientific founding which supported the description of JMS in traditional use.

Profiling of Multiple Matrix Metalloproteinases Activities in the Progression of Osteosarcoma by Peptide Microarray-Based Fluorescence Assay on Polymer Brush-Coated Zinc Oxide Nanorod Substrate

Peptide microarray provides the ability to miniaturize, parallelize, and automate high-throughput screening substrate specificities of enzymes, profiling of multiple enzyme activities, discovery of disease biomarkers, and development of drugs. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are demonstrated as important biomarkers of tumor invasion and metastasis. Herein, a peptide microarray-based fluorescence assay is proposed to profile multiple MMPs (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-9, and MMP-13) activities in the culture medium of four human osteosarcoma (OS) cells and in the progression of OS by using the mouse-bearing xenograft OSs including U-2OS and Saos-2 human. This method has excellent selectivity and sensitivity, which enables to detect the activities of cellular secreted MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-9, and MMP-13 with limit of detection downs to 10 pM, 30 pM, 113 pM, 13 pM, 93 pM, and 12 pM, respectively. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the activity pattern of MMPs is serum closely relevant to the disease progression and type of tumor.

Peptide Array-Based In Situ Fluorescence Assay for Profiling Multiple Matrix Metalloproteinase Activities

Peptide array-based in situ fluorescence assay is a reliable and efficient technique for high-throughput profiling and localization of enzyme activity. Here, peptide array is fabricated by spotting five specific MMPs (MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-9, and MMP-14) peptide substrates containing FAM/Dabcyl fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) pair on the surface of cell monolayers or tissue sections. MMP activities are determined in situ by the fluorescence intensity of stained cells/tissues due to the cellular internalization of hydrolyzed peptide fragments with FAM moieties. Identification of MMP expression patterns of cells, highly sensitive determination of MMP activities in cell monolayer (as low as hundreds of cells per square centimeter), and evaluation of inhibition potencies of six compounds toward five MMPs are achieved by this method. Five MMP activities in the localized parts of 32 thyroid tissues are also well profiled without separation or extraction procedures.

Ershiwuwei Lvxue Pill alleviates rheumatoid arthritis by different pathways and produces changes in the gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that often results in joint destruction. Ershiwuwei Lvxue Pill (ELP), a prescription of Tibetan medicine, has been used for centuries for the clinical treatment of RA in Tibet, China. In a previous study, we reported that ELP could ameliorate RA symptoms in CIA rats by inhibiting the inflammatory response and inducing apoptosis in synovial tissues. It is still needed further to clarify the mechanisms of action of ELP in mitigating RA.

PURPOSE

In this study, we aim to elucidate the mechanism of action of ELP to improve RA joint damage and explore the changes in the intestinal flora and host metabolites.

METHODS

Firstly, we analyzed the main absorbed constituents of ELP in the serum of rats by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). Then, we verified the alleviating effects of ELP on cartilage injury and bone erosion as well as the inflammatory response in CIA rats by microCT, H&E staining, safranin-O staining, and ELISA. Moreover, we investigated the main factors that mediate joint damage, including the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and osteoclast activity in the ankle of rats by immunohistochemistry and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Further, we explored the molecular mechanisms of the MMPs production and osteoclast activity in CIA rats treated with ELP through various experiments such as ELISA, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence assay. Besides, we investigated gut microbiota composition by 16S rDNA sequencing and serum metabolites through untargeted metabolomics. In addition, we analyzed the correlation between gut microbiota and metabolites by Spearman correlation analysis.

RESULTS

In this study, we identified 20 compounds from rat serum samples, which could be the ELP components that improve RA. Moreover, we found that ELP could alleviate cartilage and bone injury by reducing MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 expression and osteoclast activity in CIA rats. Further studies demonstrated that ELP could reduce joint damage by inhibiting osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) /nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) signal pathways. The 16S rDNA sequencing analysis indicated that there was a significant difference in the gut microbiota composition between the normal and CIA rats, and these differences were changed after ELP administration. ELP could alter the gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of the genus Lactobacillus and decreasing the abundance of Dorea, [Eubacterium]_ventriosum_group, Anaerostipes, Collinsella, Coprococcus_1, Ruminiclostridium_5, Ruminococcus_1, Family_XIII_UCG-001, Butyricicoccus, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-003, Lachnoclostridium, Faecalibacterium, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-010, Roseburia, Rs-E47_termite_group_norank, Treponema_2 genera. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis showed that ELP reduced arachidonic acid levels. The serum arachidonic acid level was significantly correlated with the abundance of 41 genera, particularly Collinsella and Lactobacillus.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that ELP can improve RA joint damage by inhibiting MMPs production and osteoclast activity, and regulating intestinal flora and host metabolites, which provides a novel insight into the ELP in alleviating RA.

Rongjin Niantong Fang ameliorates cartilage degeneration by regulating the SDF-1/CXCR4-p38MAPK signalling pathway

CONTEXT

Rongjin Niantong Fang (RJNTF) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine formulation with a good therapeutic effect on osteoarthritis (OA). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates whether RJNTF could delay OA cartilage degeneration by regulating the SDF-1/CXCR4-p38MAPK signalling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used to establish the OA model by a modified Hulth's method. SD rats were divided into three groups (n = 10): blank group, model group (0.9% saline, 10 mL/kg/day), and treatment group (RJNTF, 4.5 g/kg/day). After 12 weeks of treatment, each group was analysed by H&E, Safranine-O solid green, ELISA, Immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. An in vitro model was induced with 100 ng/mL SDF-1 by ELISA, the blank group, model group, RJNTF group, and inhibitor group with intervention for 12 h, each group was analysed by Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot.

RESULTS

SDF-1 content in the synovium was reduced in RJNTF treatment group compared to non-treatment model group (788.10 vs. 867.32 pg/mL) and down-regulation of CXCR4, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13 protein expression, along with p38 protein phosphorylated were observed in RJNTF treatment group. In vitro results showed that RJNTF (IC₅₀ = 8.925 mg/mL) intervention could down-regulate SDF-1 induced CXCR4 and p38 protein phosphorylated and reduce the synthesis of MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13 proteins of chondrocytes from SD rat cartilage tissues.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

RJNTF alleviates OA cartilage damage by SDF-1/CXCR4-p38MAPK signalling pathway inhibition. Our ongoing research focuses on Whether RJNTF treats OA through alternative pathways.

Discovery of Phenolic Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors by Peptide Microarray for Osteosarcoma Treatment

Because of the abnormal upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities in tumors, MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) are validated anticancer drug candidates. We identified several MMPIs including mangiferin as an MMP-9 inhibitor with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of 250 nM, isosilybin as an MMP-13 inhibitor with an IC₅₀ value of 250 nM, and isoliquiritigenin as a broad-spectrum MMPI (with IC₅₀ values of 16 nM for MMP-1, 10 nM for MMP-2, 81 nM for MMP-3, 8 nM for MMP-7, 10 nM for MMP-9, and 14 nM for MMP-13) through studying the interactions of 6 MMPs secreted by U-2OS cells with 51 phenolic natural products on the peptide microarray platform. In addition, the inhibitory mechanisms of as-discovered MMPIs were evaluated by a molecular docking simulation. The antitumor efficiencies of MMPIs were demonstrated by both a cell scratch test and growth suppression of mouse-born OS tumors. The results of the cell scratch test suggested that isoliquiritigenin significantly inhibited the migration of U-2OS cells. In addition, administration of isoliquiritigenin significantly reduced the tumor size (by about 80%) and prolonged the survival time (by more than 70 days). This study suggests that the discovery of MMPIs from phenolic natural products is a meaningful way to screen anticancer agents.

Risk Factors for Pulmonary Metastasis in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Patients and the Significance of Changes in Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 and microRNA-142 Levels

This work aims to explore the risk factors of lung metastasis (LM) in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) (LM-DTC) and the effect of treatment and to detect the relationship between LM-DTC and the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and micro ribonucleic acid (RNA)-142 (miR-142) in peripheral blood. The data of 420 patients with DTC who are admitted from March 2020 to December 2021 are collected and divided into a non-metastasis group (non-LM group) of 400 cases and metastasis group (LM group) of 20 cases according whether the mung metastasis is found. In addition, risk factors of LM-DTC are analysed and compared. The results of multivariate logistic analysis show that age, disease course, and imaging timing are independent influencing factors of the radionuclide treatment effect. Follicular carcinoma, abnormal expressions of MMP-13, and miR-142 can increase the risk of LM-DTC. MMP-13 and miR-142 can be undertaken as auxiliary diagnostic biological indicators.