TIMPs as multifacial proteins

MicroRNA 429 regulates MMPs expression by modulating TIMP2 expression in colon cancer cells and inflammatory colitis

BACKGROUND

In a previous study, we found that the expression of microRNA 429 (MIR429) was decreased in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mouse colitis tissues.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to investigate the interaction of MIR429 with TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 2 (TIMP2), one of its candidate target genes, in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and DSS-induced mouse colitis tissues.

METHODS

A luciferase reporter system was used to confirm the effect of MIR429 on TIMP2 expression. The expression levels of MIR429 and target genes in cells or tissues were evaluated through quantitative RT-PCR, western blotting, or immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

We found that the expression level of MIR429 was downregulated in human CRC tissues, and also showed that TIMP2 is a direct target gene of MIR429 in CRC cell lines. Furthermore, MIR429 regulate TIMP2-mediated matrix metallopeptidases (MMPs) expression in CRC cells. We also generated cell lines stably expressing MIR429 in CRC cell lines and showed that MIR429 regulates the expression of MMPs by mediating TIMP2 expression. In addition to human CRC tissues, we found that TIMP2 was highly expressed in mouse colitis tissues and human ulcerative colitis (UC) tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the expression of endogenous MIR429 was reduced in human CRC tissues and colitis, leading to upregulation of its target gene TIMP2. The upregulation of TIMP2 by decreased MIR429 expression in CRC tissues and inflamed tissues suggests that it may affect extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling through downregulation of MMPs. Therefore, MIR429 may have therapeutic value for human CRC and colitis.

Dual effect of vitamin D3 on breast cancer-associated fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in the tumor microenvironment. Despite the well-known in vitro antitumoral effect of vitamin D3 (VD3), its impact on breast CAFs is almost unknown. In this study, we analyzed the ex vivo effects of calcitriol on CAFs isolated from breast cancer tissues.

METHODS

CAFs were cultured with 1 and 10 nM calcitriol and their phenotype; gene expression, protein expression, and secretion were assessed. Calcitriol-treated CAFs-conditioned media (CM) were used to analyze the effect of CAFs on the migration and protein expression of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells.

RESULTS

Tumor tissues from VD3-deficient patients exhibited lower levels of β-catenin and TGFβ1, along with higher levels of CYP24A1 compared to VD3-normal patients. In VD3-deficient patients, CAF infiltration was inversely associated with CYP24A1 levels and positively correlated with OPN levels. Calcitriol diminished CAFs' viability, but this effect was weaker in premenopausal and VD3-normal patients. Calcitriol reduced mRNA expression of CCL2, MMP9, TNC, and increased PDPN, SPP1, and TIMP1. It also decreased the secretion of CCL2, TNC, and the activity of MMP-2, while increasing cellular levels of TIMP1 in CAFs from all patient groups. In nonmetastatic and postmenopausal patients, PDPN surface expression increased, and CAFs CM from these groups decreased MCF-7 cell migration after ex vivo calcitriol treatment. In premenopausal and VD3-deficient patients, calcitriol reduced IDO1 expression in CAFs. Calcitriol-treated CAFs CM from these patients decreased OPN expression in MCF-7 and/or MDA-MB-231 cells. However, in premenopausal patients, calcitriol-treated CAFs CM also decreased E-cadherin expression in both cell lines.

CONCLUSION

The effects of calcitriol on breast CAFs, both at the gene and protein levels, are complex, reflecting the immunosuppressive or procancer properties of CAFs. The anticancer polarization of CAFs following ex vivo calcitriol treatment may result from decreased CCL2, TNC (gene and protein), MMP9, and MMP-2, while the opposite effect may result from increased PDPN, TIMP1 (gene and protein), and SPP1. Despite these multifaceted effects of calcitriol on molecule expression, CAFs' CMs from nonmetastatic and postmenopausal patients treated ex vivo with calcitriol decreased the migration of MCF-7 cells.

Redefining metalloproteases specificity through network proteolysis

Proteolytic processes on cell surfaces and extracellular matrix (ECM) sustain cell behavior and tissue integrity in health and disease. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs) remodel cell microenvironments through irreversible proteolysis of ECM proteins and cell surface bioactive molecules. Pan-MMP inhibitors in inflammation and cancer clinical trials have encountered challenges due to promiscuous activities of MMPs. Systems biology advances revealed that MMPs initiate multifactorial proteolytic cascades, creating new substrates, activating or suppressing other MMPs, and generating signaling molecules. This review highlights the intricate network that underscores the role of MMPs beyond individual substrate-enzyme activities. Gaining insight into MMP function and tissue specificity is crucial for developing effective drug discovery strategies and novel therapeutics. This requires considering the dynamic cellular processes and consequences of network proteolysis.

Tissue-specific expression of senescence biomarkers in spontaneously hypertensive rats: evidence of premature aging in hypertension

Background

Cellular senescence is an age-related physiological process that contributes to tissue dysfunction and accelerated onset of chronic metabolic diseases including hypertension. Indeed, elevation of blood pressure in hypertension coincides with premature vascular aging and dysfunction. In addition, onsets of metabolic disturbance and osteopenia in patients with hypertension have also been reported. It is possible that hypertension enhances premature aging and causes progressive loss of function in multiple organs. However, the landscape of cellular senescence in critical tissues affected by hypertension remains elusive.

Materials and Methods

Heart, liver, bone, hypothalamus, and kidney were collected from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and age- and sex-matched normotensive Wistar rats (WT) at 6, 12, 24 and 36 weeks of age (n = 10 animals/group). Changes in mRNA levels of senescence biomarkers namely cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors (CDKIs), i.e., Cdkn2a (encoding p16Ink4a) and Cdkn1a (encoding p21cip1) as well as senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs), i.e., Timp1, Mmp12, Il6 and Cxcl1, were determined. Additionally, bone collagen alignment and hydroxy apatite crystal dimensions were determined by synchrotron radiation small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) techniques.

Results

Real-time PCR revealed that transcript levels of genes encoding CDKIs and SASPs in the heart and liver were upregulated in SHR from 6 to 36 weeks of age. Expression of Timp1 and Cxcl1 was increased in bone tissues isolated from 36-week-old SHR. In contrast, we found that expression levels of Timp1 and Il6 mRNA were decreased in hypothalamus and kidney of SHR in all age groups. Simultaneous SAXS/WAXS analysis also revealed misalignment of bone collagen fibers in SHR as compared to WT.

Conclusion

Premature aging was identified in an organ directly affected by high blood pressure (i.e., heart) and those with known functional defects in SHR (i.e., liver and bone). Cellular senescence was not evident in organs with autoregulation of blood pressure (i.e., brain and kidney). Our study suggested that cellular senescence is induced by persistently elevated blood pressure and in part, leading to organ dysfunction. Therefore, interventions that can both lower blood pressure and prevent cellular senescence should provide therapeutic benefits for treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic consequences.

An Analysis of the Content of Metalloproteinases in the Intestinal Wall of Patients with Crohn's Disease

One of the inflammatory bowel diseases is Crohn's disease. Although this term has been used in the medical community since 1932, a significant increase in the number of publications occurs at the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. Crohn's disease is a disease that cannot be fully cured. In many cases, it is chronic, i.e., recurrent. All preventive and therapeutic measures taken by doctors are aimed at inhibiting the development of the disease and minimizing the occurrence of any potential "side effects" resulting from the developing disease. One of the diagnostic methods is the qualitative and quantitative determination of metalloproteinases in inflammatory tissues and in the blood. The aim of the study was the quantitative and qualitative determination of metalloproteinases in inflammatory bowel tissues in patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease. The in vitro study was performed on surgical tissues from patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease. The results show that in inflammatory tissues the concentration of metalloproteinases -3, -7, -8, -9 was higher compared to tissues taken from the resection margin without signs of inflammation, defined as healthy. The experiment confirmed that the biochemical test, which is the determination of metalloproteinases in tissues, is a useful diagnostic tool to differentiate inflammatory from non-inflammatory tissues.

Evaluation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in human cases with orofacial clefts: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The interaction between several cell populations or many genes and the coordination of multiple signal transmission pathways can lead to defects such as orofacial clefts (OFCs). Herein, a systematic review was designed to evaluate a group of important biomarkers (matrix metalloproteinases [MMPs] and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases [TIMPs]) in human cases with OFCs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Four databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched until March 10, 2023, without any restriction. STRING, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network software, was applied to investigate the functional interactions among the examined genes. The effect sizes including odds ratio (OR) dealing with a 95% confidence interval (CI), were extracted by the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0 (CMA 2.0) software.

RESULTS

Thirty-one articles were entered into the systematic review that four articles were analyzed in the meta-analysis. Single studies reported that several polymorphisms of MMPs (rs243865, rs9923304, rs17576, rs6094237, rs7119194, and rs7188573); and TIMPs (rs8179096, rs7502916, rs4789936, rs6501266, rs7211674, rs7212662, and rs242082) had an association with OFC risk. There was no significant difference for MMP-3 rs3025058 polymorphism in allelic (OR: 0.832; P=0.490), dominant (OR: 1.177; P=0.873), and recessive (OR: 0.363; P=0.433) models and MMP-9 rs17576 polymorphism in an allelic model (OR: 0.885; P=0.107) between the OFC cases and the controls. Based on immunohistochemistry reports, three MMPs (MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9) and TIMP-2 had significant correlations with several other biomarkers in OFC cases.

CONCLUSIONS

MMPs and TIMPs can impact the tissue and cells affected by OFCs and the process of apoptosis. The interaction between some biomarkers with MMPs and TIMPs (e.g., TGFb1) in OFCs can be interesting for future research.

Functionally enhanced cell spheroids for stem cell therapy: Role of TIMP1 in the survival and therapeutic effectiveness of stem cell spheroids

Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising regenerative medicine strategy but is limited by poor cell survival, leading to low therapeutic outcomes. We developed cell spheroid therapeutics to overcome this limitation. We utilized solid-phase FGF2 to form functionally enhanced cell spheroid-adipose derived (FECS-Ad), a type of cell spheroid that preconditions cells with intrinsic hypoxia to increase the survival of transplanted cells. We demonstrated an increase in hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) levels in FECS-Ad, which led to the upregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1). TIMP1 enhanced the survival of FECS-Ad, presumably through the CD63/FAK/Akt/Bcl2 anti-apoptotic signaling pathway. Cell viability of transplanted FECS-Ad was reduced by TIMP1 knockdown in an in vitro collagen gel block and a mouse model of critical limb ischemia (CLI). TIMP1 knockdown in FECS-Ad inhibited angiogenesis and muscle regeneration induced by FECS-Ad transplanted into ischemic mouse tissue. Genetic overexpression of TIMP1 in FECS-Ad further promoted the survival and therapeutic efficacy of transplanted FECS-Ad. Collectively, we suggest that TIMP1 acts as a key survival factor to improve the survival of transplanted stem cell spheroids, which provides scientific evidence for enhanced therapeutic efficacy of stem cell spheroids, and FECS-Ad as a potential therapeutic agent to treat CLI. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We used FGF2-tethered substrate platform to form adipose-derived stem cell spheroids, as we named as functionally enhanced cell spheroid-adipose derived (FECS-Ad). In this paper, we showed that intrinsic hypoxia of spheroids upregulated expression of HIF-1α, which in turn upregulated expression of TIMP1. Our paper highlights TIMP1 as a key survival factor to improve survival of transplanted stem cell spheroids. We believe that our study has a very strong scientific impact as extending transplantation efficiency is essential for successful stem cell therapy.

aMMP-8 point-of-care - diagnostic methods and treatment modalities in periodontitis and peri-implantitis

INTRODUCTION

When collected in a standardized fashion, oral fluid analysis can refine the diagnosis of periodontal and peri-implant disease. In practice, dental professionals can perform active matrix metalloproteinase (aMMP-8) analysis chairside.

AREAS COVERED

Periodontal tissues are mainly made up of type I collagen, and collagen breakdown is one of the main events in periodontal and peri-implantitis destructive lesions. In addition to traditional measurements, their diagnosis can be refined with tests utilizing oral fluids. The active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) is possible to be determined from the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), peri-implant sulcus fluid (PISF), and other oral fluids such as mouth rinse and saliva. We also investigated the applicability of aMMP-8 chair-side test kits in the evaluation of oral health benefits of different adjunctive host-modulating periodontal therapies including fermented lingonberry mouthwash (FLJ) and antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT).

EXPERT OPINION

The aMMP-8 levels can more reliably detect early activation of periodontal and peri-implant disease as compared to traditional diagnostic methods that assess the experienced health status or past disease, rather than the present or future pathology. Novel therapies like, fermented lingonberry juice as a mouthrinse or aPDT, are potential host-modulating adjunctive treatments to reduce the signs of oral inflammation and infection.

Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) and Pulmonary Involvement in COVID-19 Pneumonia

Background: The aim of the study was to longitudinally evaluate the association between MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and chest radiological findings in COVID-19 patients. Methods: COVID-19 patients were evaluated based on their hospital admission (baseline) and three months after hospital discharge (T post) and were stratified into ARDS and non-ARDS groups. As a control group, healthy donors (HD) were enrolled. Results: At the baseline, compared to HD (n = 53), COVID-19 patients (n = 129) showed higher plasma levels of MMP-9 (p < 0.0001) and TIMP-1 (p < 0.0001) and the higher plasma activity of MMP-2 (p < 0.0001) and MMP-9 (p < 0.0001). In the ARDS group, higher plasma levels of MMP-9 (p = 0.0339) and TIMP-1 (p = 0.0044) and the plasma activity of MMP-2 (p = 0.0258) and MMP-9 (p = 0.0021) compared to non-ARDS was observed. A positive correlation between the plasma levels of TIMP-1 and chest computed tomography (CT) score (ρ = 0.2302, p = 0.0160) was observed. At the T post, a reduction in plasma levels of TIMP-1 (p < 0.0001), whereas an increase in the plasma levels of MMP-9 was observed (p = 0.0088). Conclusions: The positive correlation between TIMP-1 with chest CT scores highlights its potential use as a marker of fibrotic burden. At T post, the increase in plasma levels of MMP-9 and the reduction in plasma levels of TIMP-1 suggested that inflammation and fibrosis resolution were still ongoing.

Adipokines regulate mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into various tissue cell types including bone, adipose, cartilage, and muscle. Among those, osteogenic differentiation of MSCs has been widely explored in many bone tissue engineering studies. Moreover, the conditions and methods of inducing osteogenic differentiation of MSCs are continuously advancing. Recently, with the gradual recognition of adipokines, the research on their involvement in different pathophysiological processes of the body is also deepening including lipid metabolism, inflammation, immune regulation, energy disorders, and bone homeostasis. At the same time, the role of adipokines in the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs has been gradually described more completely. Therefore, this paper reviewed the evidence of the role of adipokines in the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, emphasizing bone formation and bone regeneration.

Cell-Free Therapies: The Use of Cell Extracts to Mitigate Irradiation-Injured Salivary Glands

Radiotherapy is a standard treatment for head and neck cancer patients worldwide. However, millions of patients who received radiotherapy consequently suffer from xerostomia because of irreversible damage to salivary glands (SGs) caused by irradiation (IR). Current treatments for IR-induced SG hypofunction only provide temporary symptom alleviation but do not repair the damaged SG, thus resulting in limited treatment efficacy. Therefore, there has recently been a growing interest in regenerative treatments, such as cell-free therapies. This review aims to summarize cell-free therapies for IR-induced SG, with a particular emphasis on utilizing diverse cell extract (CE) administrations. Cell extract is a group of heterogeneous mixtures containing multifunctional inter-cellular molecules. This review discusses the current knowledge of CE's components and efficacy. We propose optimal approaches to improve cell extract treatment from multiple perspectives (e.g., delivery routes, preparation methods, and other details regarding CE administration). In addition, the advantages and limitations of CE treatment are systematically discussed by comparing it to other cell-free (such as conditioned media and exosomes) and cell-based therapies. Although a comprehensive identification of the bioactive factors within CEs and their mechanisms of action have yet to be fully understood, we propose cell extract therapy as an effective, practical, user-friendly, and safe option to conventional therapies in IR-induced SG.

Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 as poor prognosis factor for Hodgkin's lymphoma patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to evaluate the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 as a prognostic factor in patients diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL).

METHODS

In the present study, 45 paraffin biopsies from patients up to 19 years old diagnosed with HL were used in two referral hospitals in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Risk groups were classified into favorable and unfavorable, according to Ann Arbor. The expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and their inhibitors was performed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Data were analyzed using the GraphPad Prism 5 program.

RESULTS

MMP-2 intensity pattern was stronger (>10% of the total field) in patients with stage III/IV and B symptoms. MMP-2 showed an association with the risk group (p = 0.0388). That is, the stronger the MMP-2 marking, the greater the unfavorable risk. However, for MMP-9 there was no difference in the stronger intensity pattern in relation to stages I/II and III/IV, only in the presence of B symptoms. MMP-9 showed an association with B Symptoms (p = 0.0411). Therefore, patients with B symptoms have higher MMP-9 expression.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that MMP-2 expression is associated with HL progression. While MMP-9 expression is related to the clinical worsening of these patients. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the exact role of these proteins in hematologic malignancies.

The role of matrix metalloproteinases in pathogenesis, diagnostics, and treatment of human prostate cancer

The prostate gland is highly susceptible to oncogenic transformation, many times more than other sex tissues, such as seminal vesicles. In fact, prostate cancer (PCa) will be diagnosed in one in seven lifetime patients, making PCa the subject of intense research aimed at clarifying its biology and providing adequate treatment. PCa is the fourth most common cancer in the world in terms of the overall population and the second most common cancer for the male population. It is postulated that the development of PCa may be influenced by dietary factors, physical and sexual activity, androgens, obesity, and inflammation, but their role in the development of prostate cancer still remains unclear. Extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue metalloproteinase inhibitors (TIMPs) play an important role in many physiological and pathological processes, including proliferation, migration, invasion, cell differentiation, participation in inflammatory processes and angiogenesis. Numerous studies point to a direct relationship between MMPs and both local tumor invasion and the formation of distant metastases. High activity of MMPs is observed in solid tumors of various origins, which positively correlates with a poor overall survival rate. Although biochemical diagnostic markers of PCa are currently available, from the point of view of clinical practice, it seems particularly important to develop new and more sensitive markers allowing for early diagnosis and long-term monitoring of patients after PCa treatment, and the assessment of MMP activity in urine and serum of patients are potential factors that could play such a role.

Sonicated Extract from the Aril of Momordica Cochinchinensis Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Migration in Aggressive Prostate Cancer Cells

Momordica cochinchinensis or gac fruit has been reported to have several biological activities, including antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. However, the effect on cancer cell metastasis has not been extensively studied. With this aim, the extract from the aril part was selected and investigated for prostate cancer cell migration. The aril extracts were prepared as boiled extract, sonicated extract, ethanol extract, and HAE (hexane:acetone:ethanol; 2 : 1 : 1) extract, while the prostate cancer cell models were PC-3 and LNCaP cells. An MTT assay was performed to compare the antiproliferative effect between prostate cancer cells and normal Vero cells. As a result, the sonicated extract had the highest efficiency in PC-3 cells, with IC₅₀ values of 2 mg/mL and 0.59 mg/mL for 48 and 72 h, respectively, while it had less of an effect in LNCaP cells and was not toxic to normal cells. Cell damage was further confirmed using LDH and cell cycle analysis. As a result, the sonicated extract did not cause cell damage or death and only inhibited cell proliferation. The effect on cancer metastasis was further examined by wound healing, transwell migration assays, and western blotting. The results demonstrated that the sonicated extract inhibited PC-3 cell migration and decreased MMP-9 but increased TIMP-1 expression. All these results support that gac fruit is a valuable source for further development as an anticancer agent for prostate cancer patients.

Role of Oxidative Stress in Peyronie's Disease: Biochemical Evidence and Experiences of Treatment with Antioxidants

BACKGROUND

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting adult males, involving the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa of the penis. PD is frequently associated with penile pain, erectile dysfunction, and a secondary anxious-depressive state. The etiology of PD has not yet been completely elucidated, but local injury is generally recognized to be a triggering factor. It has also been widely proven that oxidative stress is an essential, decisive component in all inflammatory processes, whether acute or chronic. Current conservative medical treatment comprises oral substances, penile injections, and physical therapy.

AIM

This article intends to show how antioxidant therapy is able to interfere with the pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease.

METHOD

This article consists of a synthetic narrative review of the current scientific literature on antioxidant therapy for this disease.

RESULTS

The good results of the antioxidant treatment described above also prove that the doses used were adequate and the concentrations of the substances employed did not exceed the threshold at which they might have interacted negatively with the mechanisms of the redox regulation of tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe new, randomized, controlled studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of treatment with antioxidants. However, we consider the experiences of antioxidant treatment which can already be found in the literature useful for the clinical practice of urologists in the treatment of this chronic inflammatory disease.

Bioactives from Marine Organisms and their Potential Role as Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors

Recent research has revealed the role of metalloproteinases in a number of severe pathological illnesses, including cardiac, cartilage, neurological, and cancer-related diseases that are fatal to humans. Metalloproteinases are a subclass of endopeptidases that comprise structurally identical enzymes known as Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) that are solely involved in extracellular matrix degradation and play a significant regulatory function in tissue remodeling. Improper regulation and expression of MMPs have been linked to several life-threatening pathological conditions in humans. Hence there is an ever-growing interest in various research communities to identify and report the Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors (MMPIs). In spite of several chemically synthesized MMPIs being available currently, several unpleasant side effects, un-successful clinical trials have made use of synthetic MMPIs as a risky strategy. Several natural product researchers have strongly recommended and reported many natural resources like plants, microorganisms, and animals as greater resources to screen for bioactives that can function as potential natural MMPIs. Marine environment is one of the vast and promising resources that harbor diverse forms of life known to synthesize biologically active compounds. These bioactive compounds from marine organisms have been reported for their unparalleled biological effects and have profound applications in cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical research. Several research groups have reported an umpteen number of medicinally unmatched compounds from marine flora and fauna, thus driving researchers to screen marine organisms for natural MMPIs. In this review, our group has reported the potential MMPIs from marine organisms.

Extracellular vesicles from equine mesenchymal stem cells decrease inflammation markers in chondrocytes in vitro

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used therapeutically in equine medicine. MSCs release extracellular vesicles (EVs), which affect cell processes by inhibiting cell apoptosis and regulating inflammation. To date, little is known about equine EVs and their regenerative properties.

OBJECTIVES

To characterise equine MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and evaluate their effect on equine chondrocytes treated with pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro.

STUDY DESIGN

In vitro experiments with randomised complete block design.

METHODS

Mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and synovial fluid were cultured in vitro. The MSC culture medium was centrifuged and filtered. Isolated particles were analysed for size and concentration (total number of particles per mL). Transmission electron microscopy analysis was performed to evaluate the morphology and CD9 expression of the particles. Chondrocytes from healthy equines were treated with the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. MSC-derived EVs from bone marrow and synovial fluid cells were added as co-treatments in vitro. Gene expression analysis by real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the effects of EVs.

RESULTS

The particles isolated from MSCs derived from different tissues did not differ significantly in size and concentration. The particles had a round-like shape and positively expressed CD9. EVs from bone marrow cells displayed reduced expression of metalloproteinase-13.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Sample size and characterisation of the content of EVs.

CONCLUSIONS

EVs isolated from equine bone marrow MSCs reduced metalloproteinase 13 gene expression; this gene encodes an enzyme related to cartilage degradation in inflamed chondrocytes in vitro. EVs derived from MSCs can reduce inflammation and could potentially be used as an adjuvant treatment to improve tissue and cartilage repair in the articular pathologies.

Plant polysaccharides with anti-lung injury effects as a potential therapeutic strategy for COVID-19

When coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) develops into the severe phase, lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and/or respiratory failure could develop within a few days. As a result of pulmonary tissue injury, pathomorphological changes usually present endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory cell infiltration of the lung interstitium, defective gas exchange, and wall leakage. Consequently, COVID-19 may progress to tremendous lung injury, ongoing lung failure, and death. Exploring the treatment drugs has important implications. Recently, the application of traditional Chinese medicine had better performance in reducing fatalities, relieving symptoms, and curtailing hospitalization. Through constant research and study, plant polysaccharides may emerge as a crucial resource against lung injury with high potency and low side effects. However, the absence of a comprehensive understanding of lung-protective mechanisms impedes further investigation of polysaccharides. In the present article, a comprehensive review of research into plant polysaccharides in the past 5 years was performed. In total, 30 types of polysaccharides from 19 kinds of plants have shown lung-protective effects through the pathological processes of inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and immunomodulation by mediating mucin and aquaporins, macrophage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, neutrophil, TGF-β1 pathways, Nrf2 pathway, and other mechanisms. Moreover, the deficiencies of the current studies and the future research direction are also tentatively discussed. This research provides a comprehensive perspective for better understanding the mechanism and development of polysaccharides against lung injury for the treatment of COVID-19.

TIMP-1 expression in coronary thrombi associate with myocardial injury in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are considered important both in atherosclerosis and remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We aimed to study genetic expression and presence of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and the extracellular MMP-inducer (EMMPRIN) in coronary thrombi. Circulating levels and genetic expression in circulating leukocytes were also assessed, and relations to degree of myocardial injury measured by troponin T and time from symptom to PCI were explored. Expression of cell markers were also analyzed, indicating relations to cell types.

METHODS

Intracoronary thrombi were aspirated from 33 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Blood samples with Pax-gene tubes were drawn at end of PCI and the next day. RNA was isolated from thrombi and leukocytes, and genes were relatively quantified by RT-PCR. Each thrombus was preserved for histology and immunohistochemistry analyzes.

RESULTS

Genes coding for the five markers were present in 84-100% of thrombi and immunohistochemically stained in 96-100%. Expression of TIMP-1 in thrombi and in leukocytes correlated significantly to peak troponin T ( r = 0.393 P = 0.026, r = 0.469 P = 0.006, respectively). No significant correlations between genes expressed in thrombi and time from symptom to PCI were observed. TIMP-1 was connected mainly to monocytes/macrophages in the thrombi.

CONCLUSION

MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and EMMPRIN were highly expressed in human coronary thrombi. The correlation between troponin T and the expression of TIMP-1 both in thrombi and in leukocytes at time of PCI indicates that TIMP-1 plays a role in myocardial damage early post-MI.

Nanotechnology and Matrix Metalloproteinases in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Cancer is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide. This great mortality is due to its late diagnosis when the disease is already at advanced stages. Although the efforts made to develop more effective treatments, around 90% of cancer deaths are due to metastasis that confers a systemic character to the disease. Likewise, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases that participate in all the events of the metastatic process. MMPs’ augmented concentrations and an increased enzymatic activity have been considered bad prognosis markers of the disease. Therefore, synthetic inhibitors have been created to block MMPs’ enzymatic activity. However, they have been ineffective in addition to causing considerable side effects. On the other hand, nanotechnology offers the opportunity to formulate therapeutic agents that can act directly on a target cell, avoiding side effects and improving the diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment of cancer. The goal of the present review is to discuss novel nanotechnological strategies in which MMPs are used with theranostic purposes and as therapeutic targets to control cancer progression.

Remodeling and Fibrosis of the Cardiac Muscle in the Course of Obesity-Pathogenesis and Involvement of the Extracellular Matrix

Obesity is a growing epidemiological problem, as two-thirds of the adult population are carrying excess weight. It is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarct, and atrial fibrillation). It has also been shown that chronic obesity in people may be a cause for the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), whose components include cellular hypertrophy, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and increased extracellular collagen deposition. Several animal models with induced obesity, via the administration of a high-fat diet, also developed increased heart fibrosis as a result of extracellular collagen accumulation. Excessive collagen deposition in the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the course of obesity may increase the stiffness of the myocardium and thereby deteriorate the heart diastolic function and facilitate the occurrence of HFpEF. In this review, we include a rationale for that process, including a discussion about possible putative factors (such as increased renin–angiotensin–aldosterone activity, sympathetic overdrive, hemodynamic alterations, hypoadiponectinemia, hyperleptinemia, and concomitant heart diseases). To address the topic clearly, we include a description of the fundamentals of ECM turnover, as well as a summary of studies assessing collagen deposition in obese individuals.

Does oral lichen planus aggravate the state of periodontal disease? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRM) was to assess the evidence between the association of oral lichen planus and periodontal disease, evaluating the periodontal clinical parameters and biomarkers levels.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020181513). Searches were accomplished in databases for articles published until June 2021. The meta-analysis was performed with the variables: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). The mean difference was applied with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

Six articles were included. Qualitative analysis showed the levels of biomarkers (matrix metalloproteinases, interleukins, and periodontal microbiological profile) are increased in subjects with periodontal disease and oral lichen planus. In the meta-analysis, these subjects also presented increases in all periodontal clinical parameters evaluated: GI-gingivitis 0.22 [0.14, 0.31] p < 0.0001 and periodontitis 0.12 [0.06, 0.19] p = 0.0003; PI-gingivitis 0.22 [0.12, 0.31] p < 0.0001 and periodontitis 0.15 [0.08, 0.23] p < 0.0001; PD-gingivitis 0.27 [0.06; 0.48] p = 0.0107 and periodontitis 0.11 [0.01; 0.21] p = 0.0299; and CA-periodontitis 0.06 [0.01, 0.12] p = 0.0176.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence suggests a significant relationship between the severity of periodontal disease and the presence of oral lichen planus. Although the association is biologically plausible, further studies are needed using populations and well-defined biochemical and clinical outcomes with consideration of potential confounding factors.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This SRM provides information on the interaction between OLP and periodontal disease and guides clinicians to make evidence-based decisions and suggests recommendations for further high-quality studies.

Cell-cell adhesion impacts epithelia response to substrate stiffness: Morphology and gene expression

Monolayer epithelial cells interact constantly with the substrate they reside on and their surrounding neighbors. As such, the properties of epithelial cells are profoundly governed by the mechanical and molecular cues that arise from both the substrate and contiguous cell neighbors. Although both cell-substrate and cell-cell interactions have been studied individually, these results are difficult to apply to native confluent epithelia, in which both jointly regulate the cell phenotype. Specifically, it remains poorly understood about the intertwined contributions from intercellular adhesion and substrate stiffness on cell morphology and gene expression, two essential microenvironment properties. Here, by adjusting the substrate modulus and altering the intercellular adhesion within confluent kidney epithelia, we found that cell-substrate and cell-cell interactions can mask each other's influence. For example, we found that epithelial cells exhibit an elongated morphological phenotype only when the substrate modulus and intercellular adhesions are both reduced, whereas their motility can be upregulated by either reduction. These results illustrate that combinatorial changes of the physical microenvironment are required to alter cell morphology and gene expression.

The Role of Tumor Microenvironment in the Pathogenesis of Sézary Syndrome

Sézary syndrome is an aggressive leukemic variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, characterized by erythroderma, lymphadenopathy, and peripheral blood involvement by CD4+ malignant T-cells. The pathogenesis of Sézary syndrome is not fully understood. However, the course of the disease is strongly influenced by the tumor microenvironment, which is altered by a combination of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. The crosstalk between malignant and reactive cells affects the immunologic response against tumor cells causing immune dysregulation. This review focuses on the interaction of malignant Sézary cells and the tumor microenvironment.

Trabecular Bone Parameters, TIMP-2, MMP-8, MMP-13, VEGF Expression and Immunolocalization in Bone and Cartilage in Newborn Offspring Prenatally Exposed to Fumonisins

Fumonisins are protein serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitors and potent inhibitors of sphingosine N-acyltransferase (ceramide synthase) disrupting de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of fumonisins (FB) exposure from the 7th day of pregnancy to parturition on offspring bone development. The rats were randomly allocated to either a control group (n = 6), not treated with FBs, or to one of the two groups intoxicated with FBs (either at 60 mg FB/kg b.w. or at 90 mg FB/kg b.w. Numerous negative, offspring sex-dependent effects of maternal FB exposure were observed with regards to the histomorphometry of trabecular bone. These effects were due to FB-inducted alterations in bone metabolism, as indicated by changes in the expression of selected proteins involved in bone development: tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8), matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The immunolocalization of MMPs and TIMP-2 was performed in trabecular and compact bone, as well as articular and growth plate cartilages. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the exposure of pregnant dams to FB negatively affected the expression of certain proteins responsible for bone matrix degradation in newborns prenatally exposed to FB in a dose- and sex-dependent manner.

Comprehensive analysis of expression, prognosis and immune infiltration for TIMPs in glioblastoma

Background

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP) family proteins are peptidases involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Various diseases are related to TIMPs, and the primary reason is that TIMPs can indirectly regulate remodelling of the ECM and cell signalling by regulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. However, the link between TIMPs and glioblastoma (GBM) is unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the role of TIMP expression and immune infiltration in GBM.

Methods

Oncomine, GEPIA, OSgbm, LinkedOmics, STRING, GeneMANIA, Enrichr, and TIMER were used to conduct differential expression, prognosis, and immune infiltration analyses of TIMPs in GBM.

Results

All members of the TIMP family had significantly higher expression levels in GBM. High TIMP3 expression correlated with better overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in GBM patients. TIMP4 was associated with a long OS in GBM patients. We found a positive relationship between TIMP3 and TIMP4, identifying gene sets with similar or opposite expression directions to those in GBM patients. TIMPs and associated genes are mainly associated with extracellular matrix organization and involve proteoglycan pathways in cancer. The expression levels of TIMPs in GBM correlate with the infiltration of various immune cells, including CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, B cells, CD8⁺ T cells, and dendritic cells.

Conclusions

Our study inspires new ideas for the role of TIMPs in GBM and provides new directions for multiple treatment modalities, including immunotherapy, in GBM.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12883-021-02477-1.

Cannabidiol Decreases Metalloproteinase Activity and Normalizes Angiogenesis Factor Expression in UVB-Irradiated Keratinocytes from Psoriatic Patients

The development of psoriasis is associated with the consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation leading to metabolic changes locally, in the skin cells, and systemically, in the blood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) on the basal plasma/keratinocyte levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and angiogenesis factors, as well as to evaluate the effect of CBD on these parameters in keratinocytes isolated from psoriatic/healthy individuals with and without in vitro irradiation by UVB. A quantitative chemiluminescent method of detection based on an ELISA protocol and zymography technique was used during analysis. It was shown that activity levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-2 in PsA plasma were higher than in PsV. Changes in the proteolytic activity were accompanied by an increase in markers of angiogenesis (angiopoietin-2, HGF, VEGF, TNFα, PDGF, FGF), where in the specific case of angiopoietin-2 and TNFα, the overexpression in PsV was significantly stronger than in PsA. CBD application to keratinocytes partially restored levels of MMP-1/2/3/7 and TIMP-1/2 (in an effect which was particularly enhanced by UVB irradiation), as well as levels of the examined angiogenic factors except TNFα (levels of which were increased in psoriatic keratinocytes and decreased in healthy keratinocytes). Presented results indicate that CBD may be suggested as an antiangiogenic factor that reduces the proinflammatory action of UVB in psoriatic keratinocytes and partially has a protective effect for healthy keratinocytes.

Regulation of Tumor Metabolism and Extracellular Acidosis by the TIMP-10-CD63 Axis in Breast Carcinoma

A hallmark of malignant solid tumor is extracellular acidification coupled with metabolic switch to aerobic glycolysis. Using the human MCF10A progression model of breast cancer, we show that glycolytic switch and extracellular acidosis in aggressive cancer cells correlate with increased expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), known to induce intracellular signal transduction through the interaction with its cell surface receptor CD63, independent of its metalloproteinase inhibitory function. We found that, in aggressive breast carcinoma, the TIMP-1–CD63 signaling axis induced a metabolic switch by upregulating the rate of aerobic glycolysis, lowering mitochondrial respiration, preventing intracellular acidification, and inducing extracellular acidosis. Carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), a regulator of cellular pH through the hydration of metabolically released pericellular CO₂, was identified as a downstream mediator of the TIMP-1–CD63 signaling axis responsible for extracellular acidosis. Consistently with our previous study, the TIMP-1–CD63 signaling promoted survival of breast cancer cells. Interestingly, breast carcinoma cell survival was drastically reduced upon shRNA-mediated knockdown of CAIX expression, demonstrating the significance of CAIX-regulated pH in the TIMP-1–CD63-mediated cancer cell survival. Taken together, the present study demonstrates the functional significance of TIMP-1–CD63–CAXI signaling axis in the regulation of tumor metabolism, extracellular acidosis, and survival of breast carcinoma. We propose that this axis may serve as a novel therapeutic target.

Evaluation of Gene Polymorphism and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 in a Group of Turkish Periodontitis Patients

INTRODUCTION

Periodontitis is characterized by the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a significant part in the degradation of collagen structure. The gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of MMPs increase with the progression of periodontal inflammation. Polymorphisms can be responsible for high expression of MMPs and can exacerbate the breakdown of collagen structure. This study aims to investigate the effect of MMP-3 -1171 5A/6A polymorphism and the GCF levels of MMP-3 in a group of Turkish periodontitis patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Non-smoking, stage II grade A periodontitis (S II-Gr A) (n = 68) and stage II grade B periodontitis (S II-Gr C) (n = 64) patients were recruited. Healthy individuals (H) (n = 72) without signs of gingivitis or periodontitis served as the control. Venous blood was collected from participants to obtain DNA, and the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to detect polymorphism. GCF samples were taken to assess MMP-3 levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The MMP-3 -1179 5A/6A distribution showed no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). However, the MMP-3 GCF levels of the S II-Gr C group were higher than those of both the S II-Gr A and H groups (p < 0.05), and elevated MMP-3 levels were detected in S II-Gr A compared to H (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The MMP-3 GCF levels showed an association with periodontal tissue destruction, although single nucleotide polymorphism was not associated with the S II-Gr C and S II-Gr A groups in the Turkish population.

Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases in Echinoderms: Structure and Possible Functions

Echinoderms are one of the most ancient groups of invertebrates. The study of their genomes has made it possible to conclude that these animals have a wide variety of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). The phylogenetic analysis shows that the MMPs and TIMPs underwent repeated duplication and active divergence after the separation of Ambulacraria (Echinodermata+Hemichordata) from the Chordata. In this regard the homology of the proteinases and their inhibitors between these groups of animals cannot be established. However, the MMPs of echinoderms and vertebrates have a similar domain structure. Echinoderm proteinases can be structurally divided into three groups-archetypal MMPs, matrilysins, and furin-activatable MMPs. Gelatinases homologous to those of vertebrates were not found in genomes of studied species and are probably absent in echinoderms. The MMPs of echinoderms possess lytic activity toward collagen type I and gelatin and play an important role in the mechanisms of development, asexual reproduction and regeneration. Echinoderms have a large number of genes encoding TIMPs and TIMP-like proteins. TIMPs of these animals, with a few exceptions, have a structure typical for this class of proteins. They contain an NTR domain and 10-12 conservatively located cysteine residues. Repeated duplication and divergence of TIMP genes of echinoderms was probably associated with an increase in the functional importance of the proteins encoded by them in the physiology of the animals.

Characteristics of TIMP1, CD63, and β1-Integrin and the Functional Impact of Their Interaction in Cancer

Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteases 1, also known as TIMP-1, is named for its well-established function of inhibiting the proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteases. Given this function, many studies were carried out to verify if TIMP-1 was able to interrupt processes such as tumor cell invasion and metastasis. In contrast, many studies have shown that TIMP-1 expression is increased in several types of tumors, and this increase was correlated with a poor prognosis and lower survival in cancer patients. Later, it was shown that TIMP-1 is also able to modulate cell behavior through the induction of signaling pathways involved in cell growth, proliferation, and survival. The mechanisms involved in the regulation of the pleiotropic functions of TIMP-1 are still poorly understood. Thus, this review aimed to present literature data that show its ability to form a membrane complex with CD63 and β1-integrin, and point to N-glycosylation as a potential regulatory mechanism of the functions exerted by TIMP-1. This article reviewed the characteristics and functions performed individually by TIMP1, CD63, and β1-integrin, the roles of the TIMP-1/CD63/β1-integrin complex, both in a physiological context and in cancer, and the regulatory mechanisms involved in its assembly.

Expression of Piwi, MMP, TIMP, and Sox during Gut Regeneration in Holothurian Eupentacta fraudatrix (Holothuroidea, Dendrochirotida)

Mesodermal cells of holothurian Eupentacta fraudatrix can transdifferentiate into enterocytes during the regeneration of the digestive system. In this study, we investigated the expression of several genes involved in gut regeneration in E. fraudatrix. Moreover, the localization of progenitor cells of coelomocytes, juvenile cells, and their participation in the formation of the luminal epithelium of the digestive tube were studied. It was shown that Piwi-positive cells were not involved in the formation of the luminal epithelium of the digestive tube. Ef-72 kDa type IV collagenase and Ef-MMP16 had an individual expression profile and possibly different functions. The Ef-tensilin3 gene exhibited the highest expression and indicates its potential role in regeneration. Ef-Sox9/10 and Ef-Sox17 in E. fraudatrix may participate in the mechanism of transdifferentiation of coelomic epithelial cells. Their transcripts mark the cells that plunge into the connective tissue of the gut anlage and give rise to enterocytes. Ef-Sox9/10 probably controls the switching of mesodermal cells to the enterocyte phenotype, while Ef-Sox17 may be involved in the regulation of the initial stages of transdifferentiation.

Metalloproteinases 1 and 3 as Potential Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Development

Breast cancer continues to be one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality globally and was the leading cause of cancer death in women in Spain in 2020. Early diagnosis is one of the most effective methods to lower the incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer. The human metalloproteinases (MMP) mainly function as proteolytic enzymes degrading the extracellular matrix and plays important roles in most steps of breast tumorigenesis. This retrospective cohort study shows the immunohistochemical expression levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 in 154 women with breast cancer and 42 women without tumor disease. The samples of breast tissue are assessed using several tissue matrices (TMA). The percentages of staining (≤50%–>50%) and intensity levels of staining (weak, moderate, or intense) are considered. The immunohistochemical expression of the MMP-1-intensity (p = 0.043) and MMP-3 percentage (p = 0.018) and intensity, (p = 0.025) present statistically significant associations with the variable group (control–case); therefore, expression in the tumor tissue samples of these MMPs may be related to the development of breast cancer. The relationships between these MMPs and some clinicopathological factors in breast cancer are also evaluated but no correlation is found. These results suggest the use of MMP-1 and MMP-3 as potential biomarkers of breast cancer diagnosis.

Clinical influence of calcium hydroxide intracanal medications on matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in apical periodontitis

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the influence of calcium hydroxide intracanal medications on the levels of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in apical periodontitis (AP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty primarily infected root canals with AP were randomly divided into two groups: Ca(OH)₂ + sterile saline solution (SSL) group and Ca(OH)₂ + 2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX gel) group. We collected samples from the periradicular tissue fluid (PTF) before (s1) and after 14 days of intracanal medication (s2). MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were measured by ELISA assay.

RESULTS

MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were detected in all PTF samples at s1 and s2 (20/20). At s1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected at higher levels than MMP-1 (p < .05). Higher levels of TIMP-1 than TIMP-2 were found in AP (p < .05). Additionally, we detected higher MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 over TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels in AP (p < .05). At s2, Ca(OH)₂ + SSL was as effective as Ca(OH)₂ + 2% CHX gel in lowering the levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 after 14 days of intracanal medication, with no significant difference between them (p > .05). Both Ca(OH) ₂ intracanal medications had no significant impact on the levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 (both p > .05). At s2, TIMP-1 levels were higher than TIMP-2 (p < .05). Moreover, there were positive correlations between the levels of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 and MMP-1 and TIMP-2 (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Calcium hydroxide medications effectively lowered the levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in periapical tissues after 14 days of treatment, with no difference between them. Moreover, the calcium hydroxide intracanal medications tested here had no impact in TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in periapical tissues.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

MMPs and TIMPs play an essential role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix. The imbalance MMPs and TIMPs can cause periapical tissue destruction. Therefore, the reestablishment of the balance between activated MMPs and TIMPs with root canal therapy is essential to restore tissue homeostasis.

Circulating Biomarkers of Colorectal Cancer (CRC)-Their Utility in Diagnosis and Prognosis

The global burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) is expected to increase, with 2.2 million new cases and 1.1 million annual deaths by 2030. Therefore, the establishment of novel biomarkers useful in the early diagnosis of CRC is of utmost importance. A number of publications have documented the significance of the overexpression of several specific proteins, such as inflammatory mediators, in CRC progression. However, little is known about the potential utility of these proteins as circulating blood tumor biomarkers of CRC. Therefore, in the present review we report the results of our previous original studies as well as the findings of other authors who investigated whether inflammatory mediators might be used as novel biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC. Our study revealed that among all of the tested proteins, serum M-CSF, CXCL-8, IL-6 and TIMP-1 have the greatest value in the diagnosis and progression of CRC. Serum TIMP-1 is useful in differentiating between CRC and colorectal adenomas, whereas M-CSF and CRP are independent prognostic factors for the survival of patients with CRC. This review confirms the promising significance of these proteins as circulating biomarkers for CRC. However, due to their non-specific nature, further validation of their sensitivity and specificity is required.

CCL8 mediates crosstalk between endothelial colony forming cells and triple-negative breast cancer cells through IL-8, aggravating invasion and tumorigenicity

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type of breast cancer with a poor prognosis for which no effective therapeutic measures are currently available. The present study aimed to investigate whether interactions with endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) promote aggressive progression of TNBC cells. Herein, using an indirect co-culture system, we showed that co-culture increased the invasive and migratory phenotypes of both MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells and ECFCs. Through a cytokine antibody array and RT-PCR analysis, we revealed that co-culture markedly induced secretion of the chemokine C-C motif ligand (CCL)8 from ECFCs and that of interleukin (IL)-8 from MDA-MB-231 cells. CCL8 was crucial for ECFC-induced IL-8 secretion and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells as well as for MDA-MB-231-enhanced MMP-2 secretion and angiogenesis of ECFCs. We suggest c-Jun as a transcription factor for CCL8-induced IL-8 expression in MDA-MB-231 cells. IL-8 was important for co-culture-induced CCL8 and MMP-2 upregulation and invasion of ECFCs. Notably, our findings reveal a positive feedback loop between CCL8 and IL-8, which contributes to the aggressive phenotypes of both ECFC and TNBC cells. Using an MDA-MB-231 cell-based xenograft model, we show that tumor growth and metastasis are increased by co-injected ECFCs in vivo. Increased expression of IL-8 was observed in tissues with bone metastases in mice injected with conditioned media from co-cultured cells. High IL-8 levels are correlated with poor recurrence-free survival in TNBC patients. Together, these results suggest that CCL8 and IL-8 mediate the crosstalk between ECFCs and TNBC, leading to aggravation of tumorigenicity in TNBC.

The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Progression and Vulnerabilization of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques

Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Changes in the ECM are involved in the pathophysiology of many cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent proteases, also known as matrixins, with proteolytic activity in the ECM, being responsible for the process of tissue remodeling in various systemic pathologies, including cardiac and vascular diseases. MMPs play an important role in maintaining normal vascular structure, but also in secondary cardiovascular remodeling, in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and in their vulnerabilization process. In addition to the assigned effect of MMPs in vulnerable plaques, they have a well-defined role in post-infarction ventricular remodeling and in various types of cardiomyopathies, followed by onset of congestive heart failure, with repeated hospitalizations and death. The aim of this manuscript was to provide a summary on the role of serum matrix metalloproteinases in the process of initiation, progression and complication of atherosclerotic lesions, from a molecular level to clinical applicability and risk prediction in patients with vulnerable coronary plaques.

Biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 in human sound dentin

Objectives

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes that operate a proteolytic activity at the level of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are regulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) that can ubiquitously bind different enzyme forms. The study aims to identify a morfo-functional association between TIMP-1 and MMP-2 and -9 in human dentin.

Materials and methods

Proteins were extracted from demineralized human sound dentin powder and centrifuged to separate two aliquots with different molecular weights of proteins, higher and lower than 30 kDa. In each aliquot, the evaluation of the presence of TIMP-1/MMP-2 and TIMP-1/MMP-9 was performed using co-immunoprecipitation/immunoblotting analysis. The distribution of TIMP-1, in association with MMP-2 and -9, was investigated using a double immunohistochemical technique. Furthermore, the activity of TIMP-1 was measured by reverse zymography, where acrylamide gel was copolymerized with gelatin and recombinant MMP-2.

Results

Co-immunoprecipitation/immunoblotting analysis showed the association TIMP-1/MMP-2 and TIMP-1/MMP-9 in human sound dentin. Electron microscopy evaluation revealed a diffuse presence of TIMP-1 tightly associated with MMP-2 and -9. Reverse zymography analysis confirmed that TIMP-1 present in human dentin is active and can bind different MMPs isoforms.

Conclusions

The strict association of TIMP-1 with MMP-2 and -9 in situ appeared a constant finding in the human sound dentin.

Clinical relevance

Considering the role of TIMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 within the connective tissues, clinically applicable protocols could be developed in the future to increase or decrease the level of TIMPs in human dentin to regulate the activity of MMPs, contributing to reduce caries progression and collagen degradation.

Zingerone Attenuates Pi-induced Vascular Calcification via AMPK-mediated TIMP4 Expression

Objective

Vascular calcification requires the differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) into osteoblast-like cells. This phenomenon can be enhanced by inflammation and oxidative stress. Zingerone is one of the active ingredients present in the ginger plant that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Other functions include anti-obesity, anti-nausea effects. However, the functions of zingerone on vascular calcification has not yet been elucidated. This study investigated the effect of zingerone on vascular calcification and its molecular mechanism.

Methods

Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR and Western blot analysis was used to measure expression levels of osteogenic marker genes and to investigate whether calcification was regulated by the expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 4 (TIMP4). Alizarin red S staining was used to measure calcium deposition. Studies were carried out in VSMCs.

Results

Zingerone induced the expression of 2 markers of VSMCs differentiation (α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and smooth muscle 22α (SM22α)) and decreased the expression of core-binding factor α-1 (CBFA1). Additionally, zingerone decreased inorganic phosphate (Pi)-induced expression of distal-less homeobox 5 and CBFA1. AMPK phosphorylation and TIMP4 expression were increased by zingerone. Importantly, zingerone protected VSMCs from calcification, and this protective effect was confirmed by increased TIMP4 via overexpression of AMPK, and inhibition of TIMP4 by Compound C. Zingerone upregulated AMPK/TIMP4 expression and recovered Pi-induced inhibition of TIMP4.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results show that zingerone inhibits Pi-induced vascular calcification by regulating the AMPK/TIMP4 signaling cascade in VSMCs. These results suggest that the natural product zingerone could be useful for treating vascular and metabolic diseases.

Characteristics of matrix metalloproteinases and their role in embryogenesis of the mammalian respiratory system

The human respiratory system appears as an outgrowth from the ventral wall of the primary foregut and its development includes a series of subsequent processes, dependent on the interactions between endothelial cells, respiratory epithelium and extracellular matrix (ECM). These interactions determine the acquisition of normal structural and functional features of the newly created tissues. The essential role in the morphogenesis of the respiratory system is performed by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs are endopeptidases containing zinc ion in their active center, necessary for the processes of hydrolysis of peptide bonds of substrates. The production of MMPs takes place in most connective tissue cells, leukocytes, macrophages, vascular endothelial cells as well as in neurons, glial cells and in tumor cells. Like other proteolytic enzymes, MMPs are produced and secreted in the form of inactive pro-enzymes, and their activation occurs in the extracellular space. MMPs perform both physiological and pathological functions during tissue modeling and their role in embryogenesis is based on the regulation of angiogenesis processes, stroma formation and cells migration. This article aims to characterize, discuss and demonstrate the activity and the role of MMPs in the subsequent stages of respiratory development.

Hypermethylation of EFEMP1 in the Hippocampus May Be Related to the Deficit in Spatial Memory of Rat Neonates Triggered by Repeated Administration of Propofol

It has been confirmed that repeated application of propofol, as an intravenous and short-fast-acting anesthetic, in neonatal animals or humans may produce long-term deficits in cognitive functions. With the aim of explaining the neurotoxic effects of repeated administration of propofol on neonatal rat pups from P7 to P9 especially from an epigenetic perspective, the present study used the Morris water maze to detect cognitive deficits in spatial learning and memory, Sequenom methylation on the CpG island located in the promoter region of epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) to assess the methylation level of this region, and Western blot to measure the expression of EFEMP1, TIMP-3, and MMP-9. As the results have shown, repeated propofol administration on neonatal rats caused significant systemic growth retardation, impairment of spatial learning and memory, and hypermethylation of the CpG sites in the promoter region of EFEMP1 accompanied by lower expression of EFEMP1 and TIMP-3 and enhanced expression of MMP-9. These data suggest that repeated propofol administration in neonatal rats may generate hypermethylation in the promoter region of EFEMP1 which results in downregulation of the expression of EFEMP1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) but upregulation of the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which together may affect the stability of ECM to hamper the development of the central nervous system and therefore lead to deficits in cognitive functions.

Differential Expression of MMP2 and TIMP2 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their endogenous inhibitor, the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP), are expressed in many different cell types and play an important role in physiologic and pathological degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Starting from these observations and considering the activation state of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in obesity, we investigated the gene expression of metalloproteinases before and after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYBG). The study was performed in the Ribeirão Preto Medical School University Hospital. Seventy-three women were divided into a study group (SG), composed of 53 individuals with severe obesity before and after 6 months of RYGB, and a control group (CG), composed of 20 normal-weight individuals. Anthropometric and body composition data were collected, and peripheral blood for ribonucleic acid (RNA) extraction. The biological samples were submitted to a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to evaluate the expression of MMP2 and TIMP2 genes. Alterations in weight loss, body mass index (BMI), and fat mass (FM) were observed after 6 months of RYGB (p < 0.05). A reduction of gene expression of TIMP2 was observed after 6 months of RYGB, contributing positively to the weight loss (R ² = 0.33 p = 0.04). The enrichment analyses highlighted the interaction between TIMP2 and MMP2 genes and the molecular pathways involving the ECM remodeling in the obesity condition. RYGB contributes significantly to weight loss, improved BMI, reduced FM, and reduced TIMP2 expression in PBMCs, which might contribute to the ECM remodeling in the obesity and could be useful as a circulating biomarker.

Polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinase-7 and -9 are associated with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Matrix degradation is an important event in the progression, invasion and metastasis of malignant head and neck lesions. Imbalances, mutations and polymorphisms of MMPs and their inhibitors are observed in several cancer subtypes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the MMP-7 gene promoter (181 A/G) and MMP-9 (-1562 C/T) polymorphisms in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). MMP-7 (rs11568818) and MMP-9 (rs3918242) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis in 71 cases of OTSCC. Normal tissue specimens were obtained from 60 healthy volunteers to serve as the control. The MMP-7 G allele and MMP-9 T allele were more frequent in the OTSCC group than the control group, but only when these two SNPs were taken together was a significant association found with the nodal metastasis of OTSCC (p < 0.001). Based on our results, SNPs in the promoter region of MMP-7 and MMP-9 appear to be associated with greater risk of developing OTSCC, and with a higher propensity to form metastatic tumors. In this respect, molecular studies investigating polymorphisms may be useful in predicting tumor behavior.

Progress in the mechanism and targeted drug therapy for COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis characterised by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow. The prevalence of COPD has increased over the last decade and the drugs most commonly used to treat it, such as glucocorticoids and bronchodilators, have significant therapeutic effects; however, they also cause side effects, including infection and immunosuppression. Here we reviewed the pathogenesis and progression of COPD and elaborated on the effects and mechanisms of newly developed molecular targeted COPD therapeutic drugs. Among these new drugs, we focussed on thioredoxin (Trx). Trx effectively prevents the progression of COPD by regulating redox status and protease/anti-protease balance, blocking the NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways, suppressing the activation and migration of inflammatory cells and the production of cytokines, inhibiting the synthesis and the activation of adhesion factors and growth factors, and controlling the cAMP-PKA and PI3K/Akt signalling pathways. The mechanism by which Trx affects COPD is different from glucocorticoid-based mechanisms which regulate the inflammatory reaction in association with suppressing immune responses. In addition, Trx also improves the insensitivity of COPD to steroids by inhibiting the production and internalisation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Taken together, these findings suggest that Trx may be the ideal drug for treating COPD.

Identification of candidate biomarkers and therapeutic drugs of colorectal cancer by integrated bioinformatics analysis

Most colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are diagnosed with advanced stages and low prognosis. We aimed to identify potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as active small molecules of CRC. Microarray data (GSE9348, GSE35279, and GSE106582) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by the GEO2R platform. Common DEGs were selected for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Cytoscape software was used to construct protein-protein interaction networks and identify hub genes. Hub genes were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis in the GEPIA database and validated in two independent microarray data (GSE74602 and GSE83889). Common DEGs were used to select active small molecules by the connectivity map database. A total of 166 DEGs were identified as common DEGs. GO analysis demonstrated that common DEGs were significantly enriched in the apoptotic process, cell proliferation, and cell adhesion. KEGG analysis indicated that the most enriched pathways were the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction. COL1A2, THBS2, TIMP1, and CXCL8 significantly upregulated in colorectal tumor. High expressions of COL1A2, THBS2, and TIMP1 were associated with poor survival, while high expressions of CXCL8 were associated with better survival. We selected 11 small molecules for CRC therapy. In conclusion, we found key dysregulated genes associated with CRC and potential small molecules to reverse them. COL1A2, THBS2, TIMP1, and CXCL8 may act as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of CRC.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 induces proteoglycan degradation in gouty arthritis model

BACKGROUND

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis resulting from precipitation of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in joints and surrounding tissues. However, the mechanism underlying high levels of uric acid inducing gouty arthritis has not been clarified.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose was to investigate the role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in the development of gouty arthritis from hyperuricemia.

METHOD

MSU crystal-induced gouty arthritis model and chondrocytes were used to evaluate changes of MMP-3 levels. Western blot, qPCR and ELISA were performed to detect MMP-3, Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs-4 (ADAMTS-4) expressions in rabbit chondrocytes. Expression of proteoglycan was determined through toluidine blue staining. Concentrations of glycosaminoglycan, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) in chondrocytes were assessed via ELISA kits. Concentration of uric acid in supernate was tested by Automatic Analyzer.

RESULTS

MMP-3 was significantly increased in rat serum, synovial fluid, cartilages and chondrocytes treated with high-level uric acid. Increased concentration of glycosaminoglycancould be observed in chondrocytes incubated with MMP-3, as well as the remarkable downregulation of proteoglycan expression. Furthermore, high-level uric acid contributed to the degradation of proteoglycan via the activation of MMP-3. IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α concentrations were increased significantly in 35 °C compared to 37 °C with MMP-3 and high-level uric acid.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that MMP-3 was enhanced by high levels of uric acid, which promoted proteoglycan degradation, and induced MSU crystallization in turn. A low temperature environment is an important factor in the development of gout.

The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Periodontal Disease

This review provides a detailed description of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), focusing on those that are known to have critical roles in bone and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory process initiated by anaerobic bacteria, which promote the host immune response in the form of a complex network of molecular pathways involving proinflammatory mediators such as cytokines, growth factors, and MMPs. MMPs are a family of 23 endopeptidases, collectively capable of degrading virtually all extracellular matrix (ECM) components. This study critically discusses the available research concerning the involvement of the MMPs in periodontal disease development and progression and presents possible therapeutic strategies. MMPs participate in morphogenesis, physiological tissue turnover, and pathological tissue destruction. Alterations in the regulation of MMP activity are implicated in the manifestation of oral diseases, and MMPs comprise the most important pathway in tissue destruction associated with periodontal disease. MMPs can be considered a risk factor for periodontal disease, and measurements of MMP levels may be useful markers for early detection of periodontitis and as a tool to assess prognostic follow-ups. Detection and inhibition of MMPs could, therefore, be useful in periodontal disease prevention or be an essential part of periodontal disease therapy, which, considering the huge incidence of the disease, may greatly improve oral health globally.

Protective effects of desipramine on alveolar bone in experimental periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant with immune-modulatory activity, whose effects on ligature-induced periodontitis are yet to be investigated. Hence, its actions on alveolar bone resorption, gingival collagen content and key inflammatory mediators were herewith analyzed.

METHODS

A total of 60 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups: 1) control: rats without ligature treated with vehicle (saline); 2) ligature: rats with ligature-induced periodontitis treated with vehicle; 3) ligature + desipramine: rats with ligature-induced periodontitis treated with desipramine (20 mg/kg/d in vehicle). Mandibles and gingival tissues were collected 3 or 15 days after ligature insertion (or no ligature insertion for controls) and treatments. Alveolar bone resorption and gingival collagen fibers were histologically analyzed using either HE or picrosirius red staining. Gingival mRNA expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 were obtained through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. MMP-9 activity was analyzed by zymography.

RESULTS

Alveolar bone loss was significantly reduced in the ligature + desipramine group (P < 0.05), whereas gingival collagen degradation was like the ligature group (P > 0.05). Desipramine administration downregulated mRNA expressions of IL-1β, iNOS, COX-2, and TIMP-1 when compared to vehicle alone in the ligature group (P < 0.05). MMP-9 expression and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio were similar among rats with ligature-induced periodontitis (P > 0.05); however, MMP-9 activity was lower in the group treated with desipramine (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Desipramine administration reduced alveolar bone loss as histologically observed, and modulated key bone remodeling and inflammatory mediators in rats with ligature-induced periodontitis.

Effects of icariin on cell injury and glucocorticoid resistance in BEAS-2B cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract

Glucocorticoids (GCs) exert a therapeutic effect in numerous chronic inflammatory diseases. However, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) tends to be GC-resistant. Icariin, a major component of flavonoids isolated from Epimedium brevicornum Maxim (Berberidaceae), significantly relieves symptoms in patients with COPD. However, the mechanism of action remains unclear and further investigation is required to establish whether it may serve as an alternative or complementary therapy for COPD. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of icariin in human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and to determine whether icariin reverses GC resistance. The results revealed that icariin significantly increased the proliferation of CSE-exposed cells. Furthermore, icariin significantly increased protein expression of the anti-inflammatory factor interleukin (IL)-10 and significantly decreased protein expression of the pro-inflammatory factors IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor α. Icariin also attenuated the expression of the cellular matrix remodelling biomarkers matrix metallopeptidase 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, and decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, icariin regulated the expression of GC resistance-related factors, such as GC receptors, histone deacetylase 2, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 and nuclear factor κ B. The results obtained in the present study suggested that icariin may decrease CSE-induced inflammation, airway remodelling and ROS production by mitigating GC resistance. In conclusion, icariin may potentially be used in combination with GCs to increase therapeutic efficacy and reduce GC resistance in COPD.