Gagliano N, Arosio B, Grizzi F, Masson S, Tagliabue J, Dioguardi N, Vergani C, Annoni G. Reduced collagenolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases and development of liver fibrosis in the aging rat.
Mech Ageing Dev 2002;
123:413-25. [PMID:
11744051 DOI:
10.1016/s0047-6374(01)00398-0]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although moderate fibrosis is a histological hallmark of the aging liver, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are little known. Here, we provide a comprehensive description of hepatic collagen expression and metabolism during natural aging in rats. Interstitial collagen accumulated significantly in the oldest animals, mainly in the periportal area (P<0.05, 19- vs. 2-month-old rats). This was ascribed to COL-III protein deposition (P<0.05 vs. 2-month-old rats), rather than COL-I. Conversely, the transcription activity of COL-III gene decreased (P<0.05) during the considered lifespan (2-19-months), whereas COL-I and transforming growth fator-beta1 (TGF-beta1) mRNA content was substantially unchanged. In the aged rats, hepatic matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) activity, (both MMP-1 and MMP-2) dropped significantly (P<0.05), with a concomitant increase of the inactive tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP-1)/MMP-1 complex (P<0.05). MMP-2 and TIMP-1 levels were weakly affected. All together, these results suggest that during natural aging, (i) COL III is the protein that accumulates preferentially in the liver; (ii) liver fibrosclerosis is mainly explained by a reduced proteolytic activity of matrix MMP, in which TIMP-1 seems to be a major regulating factor.
Collapse