Purification of a procollagenase-activator present in medium of cultured guinea pig carrageenin granuloma

Elevated CO(2) levels cause mitochondrial dysfunction and impair cell proliferation

Elevated CO(2) concentrations (hypercapnia) occur in patients with severe lung diseases. Here, we provide evidence that high CO(2) levels decrease O(2) consumption and ATP production and impair cell proliferation independently of acidosis and hypoxia in fibroblasts (N12) and alveolar epithelial cells (A549). Cells exposed to elevated CO(2) died in galactose medium as well as when glucose-6-phosphate isomerase was knocked down, suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction. High CO(2) levels led to increased levels of microRNA-183 (miR-183), which in turn decreased expression of IDH2 (isocitrate dehydrogenase 2). The high CO(2)-induced decrease in cell proliferation was rescued by α-ketoglutarate and overexpression of IDH2, whereas proliferation decreased in normocapnic cells transfected with siRNA for IDH2. Also, overexpression of miR-183 decreased IDH2 (mRNA and protein) as well as cell proliferation under normocapnic conditions, whereas inhibition of miR-183 rescued the normal proliferation phenotype in cells exposed to elevated levels of CO(2). Accordingly, we provide evidence that high CO(2) induces miR-183, which down-regulates IDH2, thus impairing mitochondrial function and cell proliferation. These results are of relevance to patients with hypercapnia such as those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and muscular dystrophies.

Strontium ranelate increases cartilage matrix formation

Based on previous studies showing that strontium ranelate (S12911) modulates bone loss in osteoporosis, it could be hypothesized that this drug also is effective on cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis (OA). This was investigated in vitro on normal and OA human chondrocytes treated or not treated with interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). This model mimics, in vitro, the imbalance between chondroformation and chondroresorption processes observed in vivo in OA cartilage. Chondrocytes were isolated from cartilage by enzymatic digestion and cultured for 24-72 h with 10(-4)-10(-3) M strontium ranelate, 10(-3) M calcium ranelate, or 2 x 10(-3) M SrCl2 with or without IL-1beta or insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Stromelysin activity and stromelysin quantitation were assayed by spectrofluorometry and enzyme amplified sensitivity immunoassay (EASIA), respectively. Proteoglycans (PG) were quantified using a radioimmunoassay. Newly synthesized glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were quantified by labeled sulfate (Na2(35)SO4) incorporation. This method allowed the PG size after exclusion chromatography to be determined. Strontium ranelate, calcium ranelate, and SrCl2 did not modify stromelysin synthesis even in the presence of IL-1beta. Calcium ranelate induced stromelysin activation whereas strontium compounds were ineffective. Strontium ranelate and SrCl2 both strongly stimulated PG production suggesting an ionic effect of strontium independent of the organic moiety. Moreover, 10(-3) M strontium ranelate increased the stimulatory effect of IGF-I (10(-9) M) on PG synthesis but did not reverse the inhibitory effect of IL-1beta. Strontium ranelate strongly stimulates human cartilage matrix formation in vitro by a direct ionic effect without stimulating the chondroresorption processes. This finding provides a preclinical basis for in vivo testing of strontium ranelate in OA.

Surfactant components modulate fibroblast apoptosis and type I collagen and collagenase-1 expression

During lung injury, fibroblasts migrate into the alveolar spaces where they can be exposed to pulmonary surfactant. We examined the effects of Survanta and surfactant protein A (SP-A) on fibroblast growth and apoptosis and on type I collagen, collagenase-1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 expression. Lung fibroblasts were treated with 100, 500, and 1,000 microg/ml of Survanta; 10, 50, and 100 microg/ml of SP-A; and 500 microg/ml of Survanta plus 50 microg/ml of SP-A. Growth rate was evaluated by a formazan-based chromogenic assay, apoptosis was evaluated by DNA end labeling and ELISA, and collagen, collagenase-1, and TIMP-1 were evaluated by Northern blotting. Survanta provoked fibroblast apoptosis, induced collagenase-1 expression, and decreased type I collagen affecting mRNA stability approximately 10-fold as assessed with the use of actinomycin D. Collagen synthesis and collagenase activity paralleled the gene expression results. SP-A increased collagen expression approximately 2-fold and had no effect on collagenase-1, TIMP-1, or growth rate. When fibroblasts were exposed to a combination of Survanta plus SP-A, the effects of Survanta were partially reversed. These findings suggest that surfactant lipids may protect against intraluminal fibrogenesis by inducing fibroblast apoptosis and decreasing collagen accumulation.

Gelatinases A and B are up-regulated in rat lungs by subacute hyperoxia: pathogenetic implications

Subacute hyperoxia may cause basement membrane disruption and subsequent fibrosis. To test the role of extracellular matrix degradation in hyperoxic damage, we analyzed the expression of gelatinases A and B and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 in rats exposed to 85% O2. Oxygen-exposed rats were studied at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days, and compared with air-breathing rats. Lung mRNAs assayed by Northern and in situ hybridization showed an up-regulation of lung gelatinases A and B from the 3rd day on. Gelatinase A was localized in alveolar macrophages and in interstitial and alveolar epithelial cells. Gelatinase B mRNA and protein were localized in macrophages and bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells. Increased gelatinase A and B activities were demonstrated in bronchoalveolar lavage. TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were constitutively expressed, and only TIMP-1 displayed a moderate increase with hyperoxia. To elucidate transcriptional mechanisms for increased gelatinase B expression after hyperoxia, nuclear transcription factor-kappabeta activation was explored. Oxidative stress significantly increased the lung expression of nuclear transcription factor-kappabeta (p65) protein, and nuclear transcription factor-kappabeta activation and increased levels of gelatinases A and B were found in isolated type II alveolar cells obtained from hyperoxic rats. Conceivably, subacute hyperoxia induces excessive gelatinase activity, which may contribute to lung damage.

Effects of three avocado/soybean unsaponifiable mixtures on metalloproteinases, cytokines and prostaglandin E2 production by human articular chondrocytes

The in-vitro effects of avocado and soybean unsaponifiable residues on neutral metalloproteinase activity, cytokines and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production by human articular chondrocytes were investigated. Avocado and soybean unsaponifiable residues were mixed in three ratios: 1:2 (A1S2), 2:1 (A2S1) or 1:1 (A2S2). Freshly isolated human chondrocytes were cultured for 72 h in the absence or presence of interleukin-1beta, (IL-1beta) (17 ng/ml), with or without unsaponifiable residue mixtures at a concentration of 10 microg/ml. A/S unsaponifiable residues were also tested separately at concentrations of 3.3, 6.6 and 10 microg/ml. All A/S unsaponifiable mixtures reduced the spontaneous production of stromelysin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by chrondrocytes. At concentrations of 3.3 and 6.6 microg/ml, A/S residues, tested separately, were potent inhibitors of the production of IL-8 and PGE2. Nevertheless, only avocado residue inhibited IL-6 production at these concentrations. A/S unsaponifiable mixtures had a more pronounced inhibitory effect on cytokine production than avocado or soybean residues added alone. As anticipated, IL-1beta induced a marked release of collagenase, stromelysin, IL-6, IL-8 and PGE2. A/S unsaponifiable mixtures partially reversed the IL-1 effects on chrondrocytes. These findings suggest a potential role for A/S unsaponifiable extracts in mitigating the deleterious effects of IL-1beta: on cartilage.

Lung alveolar epithelial cells synthesize interstitial collagenase and gelatinases A and B in vitro

Type II pneumocytes are multifunctional alveolar epithelial cells that play a major role in the maintenance of lung structure and function. Recent evidence supports that these cells can synthesize a variety of extracellular matrix components in vitro, suggesting an active participation in connective tissue remodeling. However, their possible role in extracellular matrix degradation is unknown. In this study the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was examined in primary cultures of rat alveolar type II pneumocytes after 2 and 7 days in culture. Under basal conditions, at both periods type II cells expressed interstitial collagenase mRNA. The immunoreactive protein was detected both in the cells and in conditioned media, and collagenolytic activity was revealed after trypsin activation. Gelatinolytic activity was detected by zymography showing a relative molecular mass of approximately 72 and 92 kDa (gelatinases A and B). Phorbol treatment increased collagenase and gelatinase activities. In addition, three alveolar epithelial cell lines were analysed for MMP production: MLE-12 (mice), L2 (rat), and A549 (human). The cell lines A549 and MLE-12 revealed collagenase and gelatinase A and B activities whereas the L2 cell line only exhibited gelatinase A activity, even after PMA induction. These findings demonstrate that alveolar epithelial cells synthesize in vitro several MMPs that confer on them the ability to degrade extracellular matrix and basement membrane components, a capacity of considerable importance for the remodeling of the stromal/epithelial interface.

Monoclonal antibodies against human collagenase and stromelysin

Mouse monoclonal antibodies against recombinant human fibroblast procollagenase and prostromelysin have been generated and characterized. The epitope-containing domains for the antibodies have been assigned based on their immunoreactivities against recombinant proenzymes, mature enzymes, truncated collagenases, proteolytic fragments of stromelysin, and chimeric molecules constructed from different domains of the two enzymes. These antibodies can be divided into four groups: (1) antibodies that recognize the truncated 19-kDa NH2-terminal collagenase, (2) antibodies that recognize the C-terminal domain of collagenase and stromelysin, (3) antibodies that recognize a 31-kDa NH2-terminal collagenase fragment, and (4) antibodies that recognize the 19-kDa NH2-fragment of stromelysin. The prostromelysin-specific antibody 11N13 is of particular interest; it neutralizes stromelysin activity in a stromelysin peptide substrate assay, with an IC50 value of 75 nM. MAb 11N13 may be useful for in vivo and in vitro studies to validate the roles of stromelysin in tumor cell invasion, metastasis, and connective tissue disorders.

Leukotriene C4 upregulates collagenase expression and synthesis in human lung fibroblasts

Leukotriene C4 (LTC4), a mediator generated by a variety of inflammatory cells, participates in several physiological and pathological processes. It has been shown that LTC4 stimulates collagen synthesis by fibroblasts, suggesting a role in collagen turnover. However, the possible effect of this mediator on collagen degradation has not been examined. In this study we explored the role of LTC4 in the modulation of fibroblast interstitial collagenase and TIMP-1. Confluent cultures of three human normal lung fibroblast cell lines, and one derived from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) were exposed to LTC4 0.1, 1 and 10 nM, and to IL-1 beta as positive control. Collagenase and TIMP mRNAs expression were analyzed by Northern blot followed by densitometric scanning. Immunoreactive procollagenase was detected by immunoblot, and collagenase activity was measured using [3H]collagen. Our results showed that LTC4 enhanced several-fold collagenase mRNA expression in collagenase-producing fibroblasts, and induced the expression of the enzyme mRNA in collagenase-nonproducing fibroblasts, both in normal and IPF derived cell lines. LTC4 1 nM induced the highest response. Collagenolytic activity and immunoreactive collagenase paralleled collagenase mRNA expression. Interestingly, simultaneous exposure of fibroblasts to LTC4 plus IL-1 failed to show additive effects. Moreover, in two cell lines the combination resulted in a decrease of collagenase mRNA expression compared with both mediators separately. TIMP mRNA levels were not significantly modified by LTC4, nor IL1 beta. Our findings suggest that LTC4 plays a role in the modulation of fibroblast collagenase, and it may participate in extracellular matrix remodeling during lung inflammation.

Isolation and characterization of a protease from the marine sponge Spheciospongia vesparia

A protein that showed activity against proteic (casein and hide powder azure) and synthetic (BAEE and HLPA) substrates was isolated from the marine sponge Spheciospongia vesparia. The protease was purified from an aqueous extract by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration, hydrophobic and HPLC-anion exchange chromatographies. The purified protease showed a single band in SDS-PAGE minigels and had a molecular weight of 29,600, but when submitted to isoelectric focusing it showed 2 bands with isoelectric points of 4.56 and 4.43. Its catalytic action was inhibited by EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline, so it seemed to be a metalloprotease.

Collagenase-inhibitory activity in deposit and resorption phases of guinea pig carrageenin granuloma

The levels of collagenase inhibitor, both free and bound to metalloproteinases, were evaluated at 7 days [deposit phase (DP)] and 14 days [resorptive phase (RP)] of evolution of the subcutaneous carrageenin-induced granuloma in the guinea pig. The level of free collagenase inhibitor was considerably higher in the supernatant of DP granulomas (7.95 +/- 1.53 U/mg protein) as compared to that of RP granulomas (2.53 +/- 0.41 U/mg protein). When the samples were heated at acid pH to release the inhibitor from metalloproteinase-inhibitor complexes, free inhibitor was recovered in both phases. However, the units of recovered collagenase inhibitor were several fold higher in all RP granulomas in comparison with DP granulomas (6.88 +/- 2.46 vs 1.5 +/- 0.53). Therefore, DP and RP tissues exhibited similar total amount of tissue inhibitor. By HPLC, collagenase inhibitor activity was localized in a fraction consistent with the size of TIMP. These results suggest a different balance of collagenase and collagenase inhibitor during the evolution of the granuloma; an excess of inhibitor over metalloproteinases appears to predominate during the phase of collagen accumulation contrasting with an inverse situation when the granuloma is healing.