Matrix metalloproteinases in premature coronary atherosclerosis: Influence of inhibitors, inflammation, and genetic polymorphisms

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are thought to participate in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD), particularly in the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Little is known about human in vivo MMP regulation in CAD. The expression and regulation of MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) were evaluated in premature CAD....

Effect of the anti-tumor necrosis factor-α antibody infliximab on the ex vivo mucosal matrix metalloproteinase-proteolytic phenotype in inflammatory bowel disease

Background: Previous studies have shown an upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in intestinal tissue of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and significant clinical improvement after administration of the anti-TNF-α antibody infliximab. The aims of our study were to determine expression and secretion of MMP-1, -2, -3, -9,...

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 is a consistent prognostic factor in gastric cancer

In a pioneer study, we showed 10 years ago that enhanced tissue levels of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) MMP-2 and MMP-9 in gastric cancers, as determined by zymography, were related with worse overall survival of the patients. To corroborate these observations, we now assessed MMP-2 and MMP-9 with new techniques in an expanded group of...

Invasive properties of fibroblast-like synoviocytes Correlation with growth characteristics and expression of MMP-1 MMP-3 and MMP-10

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have a pivotal role in the destruction of cartilage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is mediated by the fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Objective: To examine the in vitro invasiveness of synoviocytes obtained from inflamed joints of patients with arthritis in relation to the expression of MMP 1...

Temporal changes in collagen composition and metabolism during rodent palatogenesis

Cleft lip and palate is a common craniofacial malformation in man. The aetiology is multifactorial and not known. Since collagen is a major structural component of the developing palate, we studied its composition and metabolism during palate shelf formation and elevation in the rat. Palatal shelves were harvested at embryonic days (E) 15, 16...

A novel and simple immunocapture assay for determination of gelatinase-B (MMP-9) activities in biological fluids: Saliva from patients with Sjögren's syndrome contain increased latent and active gelatinase-B levels

Here we describe a new principle for accessing the activity of the different members of the human matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) by a colorimetric assay. Using protein engineering, a modified pro-urokinase was made in which the activation sequence, normally recognized by plasmin (ProArgPheLys ↓ IlelleGlyGly), was replaced by a sequence that is...