BACKGROUND: We investigated the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), and determined whether these could be useful as prognostic factors. METHODS: Among patients treated from 1993 to 2007, 30 cases of MFH were evaluated. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 using paraffin wax-embedded blocks of MFH tissues. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot and zymography were performed using fresh tissues obtained from 17 of the 30 cases. The levels of MMP and TIMP expression were compared between the MFH and normal control groups, and between non-metastatic and metastatic MFH groups. RESULTS: Expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were higher in the MFH group than the control group by RT-PCR, Western blotting, and zymography. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expression was higher in the metastatic than in the non-metastatic group. The expression levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were significantly higher in the metastatic than in the non-metastatic group (p < 0.05) by RT-PCR. By Western blot analysis, the expression levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were higher in the metastatic group (p < 0.05), but MMP-9 showed only a slight increase in the metastatic group compared with the non-metastatic group (p > 0.05). Finally, gelatin zymography analysis showed that the expression levels of the pro- and active forms of MMP-2 were significantly higher in the metastatic group (p < 0.05), but the expression of the pro- and active forms of MMP-9 showed a slight decrease in the metastatic group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 may have important roles in the development and progression of MFH, and that the degree of expression of these metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, especially MMP-2, could be useful as prognostic factors related to metastasis in MFH.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous/*metabolism ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/*biosynthesis ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/*biosynthesis ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prognosis ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1/*biosynthesis ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2/*biosynthesis

The fundamental event of cancer invasion and metastasis is the complicated interaction of cancer cells with host cells, in which event, a number of proteases and their inhibitors are involved. Matrix metalloproteinases are the potent proteases in degrading the basement membrane and extra cellular matrix and are inhibited by specific endogeneous inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1(TIMP-1) and TIMP-2. The expression of mRNA for TIMP-1 and -2 was investigated by Northern blot analysis in specimens taken from 27 patients with primary gastric adenocarcinoma; 25 samples from the primary site, six from the metastatic lymph nodes and two from the peritoneal fluids. The expression for TIMP-1 and -2 was compared in primary gastric cancer tissues, metastatic lymph nodes and normal gastric mucosae. TIMP-1 mRNA was overexpressed in 24 (96%) out of 25 primary cancer tissues compared with the paired normal mucosae, while TIMP-2 was in 10 (40%). In six specimens of metastatic lymph nodes, TIMP-1 and -2 were overexpressed in 6 (100%) and 4 (67%) specimens, respectively. Of two specimens prepared from the peritoneal fluids, all specimens overexpressed TIMP-1 compared with the those of primary cancer tissues, while one (50%) specimen overexpressed TIMP-2. Immunohistochemical staining was done to investigate the localization of TIMP-1 and -2, demonstrating that the immunoreactivity for TIMP-1 and -2 was clearly detected in the cytoplasm of the stromal cells. These results suggest that both TIMP-1 and -2 are overexpressed by stromal cells in most of primary and some metastatic gastric cancer tissues and that TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, produced by stromal cells, may play an important role in inhibiting the proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases originated from cancer cells, in gastric cancer.
Adenocarcinoma/*enzymology ; Blotting, Northern ; Glycoproteins/*biosynthesis/genetics ; Human ; Proteins/*biosynthesis/genetics ; RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis ; Stomach Neoplasms/*enzymology ; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases ; Tissue Inhibitor-of Metalloproteinase-2

The fundamental event of cancer invasion and metastasis is the complicated interaction of cancer cells with host cells, in which event, a number of proteases and their inhibitors are involved. Matrix metalloproteinases are the potent proteases in degrading the basement membrane and extra cellular matrix and are inhibited by specific endogeneous inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1(TIMP-1) and TIMP-2. The expression of mRNA for TIMP-1 and -2 was investigated by Northern blot analysis in specimens taken from 27 patients with primary gastric adenocarcinoma; 25 samples from the primary site, six from the metastatic lymph nodes and two from the peritoneal fluids. The expression for TIMP-1 and -2 was compared in primary gastric cancer tissues, metastatic lymph nodes and normal gastric mucosae. TIMP-1 mRNA was overexpressed in 24 (96%) out of 25 primary cancer tissues compared with the paired normal mucosae, while TIMP-2 was in 10 (40%). In six specimens of metastatic lymph nodes, TIMP-1 and -2 were overexpressed in 6 (100%) and 4 (67%) specimens, respectively. Of two specimens prepared from the peritoneal fluids, all specimens overexpressed TIMP-1 compared with the those of primary cancer tissues, while one (50%) specimen overexpressed TIMP-2. Immunohistochemical staining was done to investigate the localization of TIMP-1 and -2, demonstrating that the immunoreactivity for TIMP-1 and -2 was clearly detected in the cytoplasm of the stromal cells. These results suggest that both TIMP-1 and -2 are overexpressed by stromal cells in most of primary and some metastatic gastric cancer tissues and that TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, produced by stromal cells, may play an important role in inhibiting the proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases originated from cancer cells, in gastric cancer.
Adenocarcinoma/*enzymology ; Blotting, Northern ; Glycoproteins/*biosynthesis/genetics ; Human ; Proteins/*biosynthesis/genetics ; RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis ; Stomach Neoplasms/*enzymology ; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases ; Tissue Inhibitor-of Metalloproteinase-2

OBJECTIVESTo explore the dynamic changes and interactions between MMP-2 and TIMP-2 during experimental liver fibrosis.

METHODSWistar rats were randomly allocated into a normal group and a model group. To induce liver fibrosis, rats were injected intraperitoneally with dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) three consecutive times in the first week, then two consecutive times per week, totally for 6 weeks. In the normal control group, rats were injected with saline by the same method as the model group. Animals were sacrificed 1, 4, 10, 17, 28, 42, 56 days after starting DMN injections. Conventional histological examinations of the livers were performed with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. The fibrosis was classified into 0 to 4 stages. Hydroxyproline content was determined after liver tissues were hydrolyzed in HCl at 160 degree C for 2 hrs and then measured with spectrometry at 560 nm wavelength. mRNA levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were determined by semi-quantitive RT-PCR. Gelatinase activity of MMP-2 was examined by zymography using gelatin substrate.

RESULTSIn the model group the hepatic MMP-2 mRNA expression started to increase 10 days after DMN administration and remained at a much higher level than in the normal group throughout the study period, while TIMP-2 mRNA expression started to be lower than in the normal group 17 days after DMN administration and reached the lowest level on the 28th day. Then it rapidly rebounded and remained higher than that in the normal group from the 42nd day to the end of the study period. TIMP-2/MMP-2 began to be lower by several days than that of the normal group after DMN administration through the remaining study period. Zymography showed that the enzymatic activities of both latent MMP-2 and active MMP-2 were increased during the process of liver fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONIn liver fibrosis, MMP-2 expression increases, while TIMP-2 expression relatively decreases. The enzymatic activities of MMP-2 increase as the liver fibrosis develops.

Animals ; Female ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; enzymology ; metabolism ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; metabolism

Animals ; Female ; Liver ; enzymology ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; enzymology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo prepare microencapsulated cells releasing human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), and investigate their biological characteristics in vitro.

METHODSChinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were stably transfected with a human TIMP-2 expression vector, encapsulated in barium alginate microcapsules and cultured in vitro. Morphological appearance of the microcapsules was observed under a light microscope. Cell viability was assessed using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse zymography were used to confirm the release of biologically active TIMP-2 from the microcapsules. Cryopreservation study of the microencapsulated cells was carried out using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as preservative agent.

RESULTSThe microcapsules appeared like a sphere with diameter of 300 - approximately 600 microm. The surface of the capsule wall was clearly smooth. The microencapsulated cells survived well and kept proliferating over the 6 weeks observed. No significant difference in TIMP-2 secretion was found between encapsulated and unencapsulated cells. Reverse zymography confirmed the bioactivity of MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) inhibition of TIMP-2. The cryopreservation process did not damage the microcapsule morphology nor the viability of the cells inside.

CONCLUSIONMicroencapsulated engineered CHO cells survive at least 6 weeks after preparation in vitro, and secrete bioactive TIMP-2 freely from the microcapsules.

Animals ; CHO Cells ; Cells, Immobilized ; Cricetinae ; Cryopreservation ; Humans ; Microspheres ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Tissue Engineering ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo compare the effects of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor doxycycline, losartan, and their combination on the expression of MMP-8, 13, tissue inhibitor of MMP-1, 2 (TIMP-1, 2), and collagen remodeling in the noninfarcted myocardium after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in rats.

METHODSTwo hundred and fifty-four AMI rats, induced by left coronary ligation, were randomly assigned to the following groups: (1) AMI controls group (n = 64); (2) doxycycline group (30 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), n = 63); (3) losartan group (10 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), n = 62); (4) concomitant doxycycline and losartan group (30 and 10 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) respectively, n = 65); and (5) Sham-operated rats (n = 30), which were randomly selected to serve as noninfarction controls. Each group was further divided into three subgroups of 1, 2, and 4 weeks that received treatment. After the completion of treatment, the rats were killed. The mRNA and protein expression of MMPs and TIMPs in the noninfarcted myocardium were quantified by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The type I and type III collagen volume fraction (CVF) of the noninfarced myocardium were assessed immunohistochemically.

RESULTSNo significant difference existed in myocardial infarction sizes among the 12 subgroups of AMI controls and the three treatment groups (42%-48%, all P > 0.05). Compared with sham operated rats, the mRNA and protein expression of MMP-8 and 13 significantly increased by 39%-183% in all three subgroups of AMI controls (all P < 0.05), except both of their mRNA expressions in 2-week subgroups; the mRNA and protein levels of TIMP-1 increased only in 1-week subgroup of AMI controls by 104% and 67%, respectively (both P < 0.05); the mRNA of TIMP-2 increased in all 1, 2, and 4-week subgroups by 144%-232% (all P < 0.05), but its protein expression lagged and only enhanced in 2 and 4-week subgroups of AMI controls by 231% and 332%, respectively (both P < 0.05). Meanwhile, both type I and type III CVF of noninfarcted myocardium significantly increased in all three subgroups of AMI controls (type I CVF: 3.01%-5.64% vs 1.53%-1.67%, P < 0.01-0.001; type III CVF: 2.19%-4.42% vs 1.46%-1.59%, P < 0.05-0.001), with type I CVF being higher in 4-week than in 1 and 2-week subgroups (5.64% vs 3.01% and 3.02% respectively, all P < 0.05). Compared with AMI controls, all three kinds of treatment significantly reduced the increased mRNA and protein expressions of MMP-8, 13 and TIMP-1, 2 after AMI by 14%-60% (all P < 0.05), as well as type I/III CVF in their 2 and 4-week subgroups (type I CVF: 1.56%-2.38% vs 3.02%-5.64%, P < 0.05-0.001; type III CVF: 1.92%-2.65% vs 4.19%-4.42%, P < 0.05-0.01), except for doxycycline's effect on type III CVF in any of its three subgroups (all P > 0.05). Among the three treatment groups, significant differences existed in the above mentioned indicators only at some subgroup levels (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSLike losartan, doxycycline can also suppress the enhanced mRNA and protein expression of MMP-8, 13 and TIMP-1, 2, and reduce type I collagen deposition in the noninfarcted myocardium after AMI in rats. However, it has no effect on type III collagen deposition.

Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Collagen Type I ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Collagenases ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Doxycycline ; pharmacology ; Drug Synergism ; Female ; Losartan ; pharmacology ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors ; Myocardial Infarction ; metabolism ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo explore the role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of MMP-2 (TIMP-2) in the pathogenesis, development and prognosis of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD).

METHODSIn situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were utilized for MMP-2/TIMP-2 mRNA and protein detection in normal chorion of women with early gestation, hydatidiform mole, invasive mole, or choricarcinoma.

RESULTSThe results revealed that specific staining for mRNA and protein of MMP-2 and the expression of TIMP-2 was reduced in normal chorion of early gestation. In GTD ranging from hydatidiform mole, invasive mole to choricarcinoma, MMP-2 expression tended to increase while TIMP-2 expression underwent an invert change. The positivity rate of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in gestational trophoblastic tumor group was higher than that of the normal chorion of early gestation group and hydatiform mole group (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONA disrupted balance between the activation and inhibition of MMP-2 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis, progression and metastasis of GTD.

Choriocarcinoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Gestational Trophoblastic Disease ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hydatidiform Mole ; genetics ; metabolism ; Hydatidiform Mole, Invasive ; genetics ; metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Hybridization ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Pregnancy ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Trophoblasts ; metabolism ; Uterine Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVESTo study the effects of c9,t11-conjugated linoleic acid (c9,t11-CLA) on invasive ability of human gastric carcinoma cell line (SGC-7901) and to explore its possible mechanism.

METHODSReconstituted basement membrane invasion assay was used to evaluate invasive ability of cancer cells. Expression of TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and nm23-H(1) mRNA was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in SGC-7901 cells.

RESULTSAt the concentrations of 200 micromol/L, 100 micromol/L and 50 micromol/L, c9,t11-CLA suppressed their reconstituted basement membrane invasion of SGC-7901 by 53.7%, 40.9% and 29.3%, respectively. c9,t11-CLA could induce the expression of TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and nm23-H(1) mRNA in SGC-7901 cells.

CONCLUSIONSThe invasion of SGC-7901 cells could be inhibited by c9,t11-CLA through reconstituted basement membrane. Anti-invasion action of c9,t11-CLA might be associated with induction of expression of TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and nm23-H(1) mRNA in tumor cells.

Adenocarcinoma ; pathology ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Humans ; Linoleic Acid ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; NM23 Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinases ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; prevention & control ; Nucleoside-Diphosphate Kinase ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; drug effects ; Stomach Neoplasms ; pathology ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transcription Factors ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

OBJECTIVEDiabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), an important cause of heart failure, is characterized by microvascular pathologies and interstitial fibrosis. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent, which can differentiate into cardiomyocytes and vascular endothelial cells. They also secrete angiogenic and antiapoptotic factors. However, little information is available about the effect of MSCs transplantation on diabetic heart.

METHODSMSCs were isolated from bone marrow of isogenic adult rats and cultured ex vivo. Eight weeks post streptozotocin injection, saline or exogenous MSCs labelled with 4'6-Diamidino-2-Phenylindole (DAPI) were injected into the femoral vein of diabetic rats and examined 4 weeks later by echocardiography, histopathologic analysis, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, zymography analysis for activities of MMP-2 and Western blot analysis for troponin T.

RESULTSLeft ventricular posterior wall thickness and myocardial arteriolar density as well as the TIMP-1 mRNA and MMP-2 activity were significantly decreased in DCM group (P < 0.01 versus control group respectively), these changes were significantly attenuated by MSCs transplantation (P < 0.05 versus DCM). MSCs transplantation also significantly reduced fibrosis and downregulated MMP-9 mRNA in diabetic myocardium.

CONCLUSIONIntravenous MSCs transplantation could attenuate LV remodeling in DCM rats.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; Cardiomyopathies ; etiology ; metabolism ; therapy ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; complications ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; metabolism ; Troponin T ; biosynthesis ; Ventricular Remodeling