Expression of MMP-2, TIMP-2 protein and the ratio of MMP-2/TIMP-2 in gallbladder carcinoma and their significance

CD24 and tumor budding as a prognostic variable in carcinoma gall bladder: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

CD24 is a small heavily glycosylated glycosylphosphotidylinositol-linked cell surface protein that is expressed in a variety of hematological and solid tumors. It is majorly involved in tumor development, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and prevention of tumor cell death via various major and minor signalling pathways although it can also inhibit invasiveness via degrading BART mRNA.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate CD24 expression in gall bladder carcinoma (GBC), via immunohistochemical (IHC) staining on paraffin-embedded histological tissue along with assessment of tumor budding.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

87 patients were enrolled and CD24 IHC staining was evaluated using four degrees of positivity (negative, mild, moderate, and strong). The expression was then correlated with various clinicopathological parameters. Interpretation was tumor budding was done on the H and E slide. Hotspots were chosen and the total number of buds was reported in an area measuring 0.785 mm2 corresponding to 20× fields in the microscope.

RESULTS

CD24 positive expression was found in 77.5% of cases. Its positive expression correlated inversely with tumor stage, necrosis, and lymph vascular invasion establishing its usefulness as a prognostic marker. Tumor budding correlated with poor tumor differentiation and higher tumor grade and poorly differentiated cancer with higher budding responded well to chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Our study supports the importance of CD24 and tumor budding as prognostic markers and thus its usefulness in risk stratification in GBC. CD 24 positive subgroup of GBC cases may benefit from anti-CD24 mAb therapy and we also recommend that tumor budding may be included in the morphological synoptic reporting in gall bladder cancer.

Effects of artificial light with different spectral compositions on refractive development and matrix metalloproteinase 2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 expression in the sclerae of juvenile guinea pigs

Artificial light can affect eyeball development and increase myopia rate. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) degrades the extracellular matrix, and induces its remodeling, while tissue inhibitor of matrix MMP-2 (TIMP-2) inhibits active MMP-2. The present study aimed to look into how refractive development and the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in the guinea pigs' remodeled sclerae are affected by artificial light with varying spectral compositions. Three weeks old guinea pigs were randomly assigned to groups exposed to five different types of light: natural light, LED light with a low color temperature, three full spectrum artificial lights, i.e. E light (continuous spectrum in the range of ~390-780 nm), G light (a blue peak at 450 nm and a small valley 480 nm) and F light (continuous spectrum and wavelength of 400 nm below filtered). A-scan ultrasonography was used to measure the axial lengths of their eyes, every two weeks throughout the experiment. Following twelve weeks of exposure to light, the sclerae were observed by optical and transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to detect the MMP-2 and TIMP-2 protein and mRNA expression levels in the sclerae. After four, six, eight, ten, and twelve weeks of illumination, the guinea pigs in the LED and G light groups had axial lengths that were considerably longer than the animals in the natural light group while the guinea pigs in the E and F light groups had considerably shorter axial lengths than those in the LED group. Following twelve weeks of exposure to light, the expression of the scleral MMP-2 protein and mRNA were, from low to high, N group, E group, F group, G group, LED group; however, the expression of the scleral TIMP-2 protein and mRNA were, from high to low, N group, E group, F group, G group, LED group. The comparison between groups was statistically significant (p<0.01). Continuous, peaks-free or valleys-free artificial light with full-spectrum preserves remodeling of scleral extracellular matrix in guinea pigs by downregulating MMP-2 and upregulating TIMP-2, controlling eye axis elongation, and inhibiting the onset and progression of myopia.

Identification of gene signatures associated with ulcerative colitis and the association with immune infiltrates in colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease, are some of the most common inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The dysfunction of the immune system in the intestines is suggested to be the underlying cause of the pathogenesis of UC. However, the mechanisms regulating these dysfunctional immune cells and inflammatory phenotypes are still unclear.

METHODS

The differential expression analysis on microarray datasets were performed including GSE24287, GSE87466, GSE102133, and GSE107499, including 376 samples. "Gene Ontology" and "Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes" pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to identify the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in these datasets and explore their underlying biological mechanisms. Further algorithms like "Cell-type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts" were used to determine the infiltration status of immune cells in patients with UC. "Cytoscape" and "Gene Set Enrichment Analysis" were used to screen for hub genes and to investigate their biological mechanisms. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource database was used to study the correlation between hub genes and infiltrating immune cells in patients with UC. A total of three hub genes, CCL3, MMP3, and TIMP1, were identified using Cytoscape.

RESULTS

A positive correlation was observed between these hub genes and patients with active UC. These genes served as a biomarker for active UC. Moreover, a decrease in CCL3, MMP3, and TIMP1 expression was observed in the mucosa of the intestine of patients with active UC who responded to Golimumab therapy. In addition, results show a significant positive correlation between CCL3, MMP3, and TIMP1 expression and different immune cell types including dendritic cells, macrophages, CD8+ T cells, and neutrophils in patients with colon cancer. Moreover, CCL3, MMP3, and TIMP1 expression were strongly correlated with different immune cell markers.

CONCLUSION

Study results show the involvement of hub genes like CCL3, MMP3, and TIMP1 in the pathogenesis of UC. These genes could serve as a novel pharmacological regulator of UC. These could be used as a therapeutic target for treating patients with UC and may serve as biomarkers for immune cell infiltration in colon cancer.

Review of the Potential Therapeutic Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Resveratrol on Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a hormone-dependent inflammatory disease characterized by the existence of endometrial tissues outside the uterine cavity. Pharmacotherapy and surgery are the current dominant management options for endometriosis. The greater incidence of recurrence and reoperation after surgical treatment as well as the adverse effects of medical approaches predispose patients to potential limitations for their long-term usage. Consequently, it is essential to explore novel supplementary and alternative drugs to ameliorate the therapeutic outcomes of endometriotic patients. Resveratrol is a phenolic compound that has attracted increasing interest from many researchers due to its pleiotropic biological activities. Here, we review the possible therapeutic efficacies and molecular mechanisms of resveratrol against endometriosis based on in vitro, animal, and clinical studies. The potential mechanisms of resveratrol include anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, anti-oxidative stress, anti-invasive and anti-adhesive effects, thereby suggesting that resveratrol is a promising candidate for endometriosis. Because most studies have investigated the effectiveness of resveratrol on endometriosis via in vitro trials and/or experimental animal models, further high-quality clinical trials should be undertaken to comprehensively estimate the clinical application feasibility of resveratrol on endometriosis.

Targeting Bone Metastases Signaling Pathway Using Moringa oleifera Seed Nutri-miRs: A Cross Kingdom Approach

Moringa oleifera is a medicinally important plant that has various medical and nutritional uses. Plant miRNAs are a class of non-coding endogenous small RNAs that regulate human-specific mRNA but the mechanistic actions are largely unknown. Here, in this study, we aim to explore the mechanistic action and influence of M. oleifera seed miRNAs on vital human target genes using computer based approaches. The M. oleifera seed miRNAs sequence was taken from published data and identified its human gene targets using a psRNA target analysis server. We identified 94 miRNAs that are able to significantly regulate 47 human target genes, which has enormous biological and functional importance. Out of 47 human targeted genes, 23 genes were found to be associated with PI3K-AKT, RUNX, and MAPK1/MAPK3 signaling pathway which has shown to play key roles in bone metastases during cancer progression. The M. oleifera seed miRNAs hold a strong potential for future research that might uncover the possibility of miRNA-facilitated cross-kingdom regulation and therapeutic targets for bone metastases.

XCL1-XCR1 pathway promotes trophoblast invasion at maternal-fetal interface by inducing MMP-2/MMP-9 activity

PROBLEM

Certain chemokines with their receptors can promote or inhibit trophoblast cell migration and invasion in human first-trimester placenta. Whether the lymphotactin (Lptn; XCL1)-XC chemokine receptor 1 (XCR1) chemokine pathway affects trophoblast cell migration and invasion in human first-trimester placenta remains unclear.

METHOD OF STUDY

The expression pattern of chemokine XCL1 and its receptor XCR1 was detected in human first-trimester by qRT-PCR, and the effect of recombinant human XCL1 (rhXCL1) on trophoblast cell function was tested by wound healing and Transwell assays. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in trophoblast cells treated with rhXCL1 was assessed via qRT-PCR and gelatin zymography.

RESULTS

Abundant XCR1 mRNA was expressed in the first-trimester decidua and villi. XCL1 and XCR1 mRNA were expressed at a higher level in the first-trimester than in the term placenta. RhXCL1 promoted trophoblast cell migration and invasion by increasing MMP-9 and MMP-2 activity and that of the MMP-2/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP-2) complex via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT kinase (AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK), and JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

XCL1-XCR1 chemokine pathway promotes trophoblast invasion by increasing matrix metalloproteinase activity in human first-trimester placenta.

Effects of PTEN gene alteration in patients with gallbladder cancer

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive malignancy usually diagnosed in an advanced stage. We investigated the effects of alterations of the phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) gene on the occurrence and development of GBC, which has not been previously reported. A total 141 cases of GBC were analyzed for mutation, expression, and methylation across the nine exons of the PTEN gene. DNA sequencing methods were applied for mutation detection, whereas protein expression and methylation status were evaluated by immunohistochemical and methylation-specific PCR analysis, respectively. Novel PTEN mutations were observed in 6.3% of cases (9/141), and they included two silent mutations. In mutant cases, according to changes in codons, the respective amino acid sequences were also changed, which caused of proteins. A high percentage (72%) of loss of protein expression was observed more often in cases than in control samples. Interestingly, all nine cases with mutations showed loss of PTEN expression, whereas four of these nine cases showed positive promoter methylation. Hypermethylation was significantly more common in older patients than in younger ones (P<0.02). These findings suggest that PTEN mutations and inactivation may play an important role in the development and progression of gallbladder carcinoma.

Cyclin D1, retinoblastoma and p16 protein expression in carcinoma of the gallbladder

BACKGROUND

Cancer of the gallbladder is a relatively rare neoplasm with a poor prognosis. The exact mechanisms of its genesis are not known and very little information is available on molecular events leading to labeling this as an orphan cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective case control study we evaluated the expression of p16, pRb and cyclin D1 by immunohistochemistry to study the G1-S cell-cycle check point and its possible role in gallbladder carcinogenesis. A total of 25 patients with gallbladder carcinoma (group I), 25 with cholelithiasis (group II) and 10 normal controls. were enrolled.

RESULTS

Cyclin D1 expression was seen in 10 (40%) patients each with carcinoma and cholelithiasis while only in 2 (20%) of the normal gallbladders but differences were not statistically significant (p value=0.488). p16 was expressed in 12% patients of carcinoma of the gallbladder and 28% of cholelithiasis, however this difference was not statistically significant (p value=0.095). Retinoblastoma protein was found to be expressed in 50% of normal gallbladders and 6 (24%) of carcinoma and 8 (32%) of gallstones. The present study failed to demonstrate any conclusive role of cyclin D1/RB/ p16 pathway in carcinoma of the gallbladder.

CONCLUSIONS

The positive relation observed between tumor metastasis and cyclinD1 expression and p16 with nodal metastasis suggested that higher cyclin D1/p16 expression may act as a predictive biomarker for aggressive behavior of gallbladder malignancies.

Molecular mechanisms of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 in the tumor microenvironment

There has been a recent paradigm shift in the way we target cancer, drawing a greater focus on the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer development, progression and metastasis. Within the TME, there is a crosstalk in signaling and communication between the malignant cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endoproteases that have the ability to degrade the matrix surrounding a tumor and mediate tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastatic disease. Their endogenous inhibitors, the Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases (TIMPs), primarily function to prevent degradation of the ECM via inhibition of MMPs. However, recent studies demonstrate that TIMP family members also possess MMP-independent functions. One TIMP member in particular, TIMP-2, has many distinct properties and functions, that occur independent of MMP inhibition, including the inhibition of tumor growth and reduction of angiogenesis through decreased endothelial cell proliferation and migration. The MMP-independent molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways elicited by TIMP-2 in the TME are described in this review.

Molecular mechanisms of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 in the tumor microenvironment

There has been a recent paradigm shift in the way we target cancer, drawing a greater focus on the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer development, progression and metastasis. Within the TME, there is a crosstalk in signaling and communication between the malignant cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endoproteases that have the ability to degrade the matrix surrounding a tumor and mediate tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastatic disease. Their endogenous inhibitors, the Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases (TIMPs), primarily function to prevent degradation of the ECM via inhibition of MMPs. However, recent studies demonstrate that TIMP family members also possess MMP-independent functions. One TIMP member in particular, TIMP-2, has many distinct properties and functions, that occur independent of MMP inhibition, including the inhibition of tumor growth and reduction of angiogenesis through decreased endothelial cell proliferation and migration. The MMP-independent molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways elicited by TIMP-2 in the TME are described in this review.

Higher risk of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2, 7, 9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-2) genetic variants to gallbladder cancer

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinase belong to family of pericellular collagenases which degrade extracellular matrix (ECM), and is involved in the modulation and susceptibility of various cancers.

METHODOLOGY

The present study included 410 gallbladder (GBC) cases and 230 healthy controls from North India. Study examined the associations of polymorphisms of MMP-2c.735C>T (rs2285053), MMP-2c.1306 C>T (rs243865), MMP7c.181A>G (rs11568818), MMP-9p.R279Q (rs17556) MMP-9p.P574R (rs2250889), MMP-9 p.R668Q (rs17577) and TIMP2c.418 G>C (rs8179090) to GBC susceptibility. Genotyping was carried out by PCR-RFLP. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS ver16.

RESULTS

The MMP-2 c.735 [CT+TT], MMP-2c.1306 [CT+TT], MMP7 c.181 [AG+GG] and MMP-9 p.668 [RQ+QQ],TIMP2c.418 [GG+GC] genotypes were significantly associated with increased risk of GBC (P = 0.01; [OR]1.87, P = 0.02; [OR] 1.68, P = 0.02; [OR]=1.61, P = 0.002; [OR]=1.91,P = 0.01; [OR]=1.78 and (P = 0.03; [OR]=1.68; P = 0.01; [OR]=1.78 respectively). Haplotypes [C(-735) -T(-1306) ] and [T(-1306) -C(-735) ] of MMP-2 (P = <0.005; [OR] =1.78 P = <0.0001; [OR] =2.09) and haplotype [Q(279) -P(574) -Q(668) ]of the MMP-9 (P = 0.04; [OR] =2.75) were significantly associated with GBC risk. On stratification of GBC patients with/without gallstones, MMP-2 haplotypes were associated with higher GBC risk in patients accompanying gallstones whereas MMP-9 haplotypes showed risk in patients without stones. Combined effect of > 3 MMP/TIMP variant containing genotypes imparted increased risk of GBC (P < 0.0001; [OR] =3.36). Multivariate logistic regression results also supported association of MMP-2 (c.735C>T, c.1306 C>T), MMP-9 p.R668Q and TIMP2c.418G>C variants with GBC susceptibility.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that genetic variants in MMP-2,7,9 and TIMP-2genes are associated with higher susceptibility of gallbladder cancer.

Combined evaluation of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors has better clinical utility in oral cancer

BACKGROUND

Oral cancer is a major health hazard worldwide with increasing incidence and mortality. Cervical lymph node metastasis is a major determinant of outcome in oral cancer. The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) system is critically involved in invasion and metastasis. Assessment of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) in certain combinations might have better clinical efficacy given their potential role in the metastatic process.

AIM

Plasma concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in 50 controls and 75 oral cancer patients (nonmetastatic, n=54; metastatic, n=21) were evaluated to assess their investigative value and role in predicting the behavior of this malignancy.

METHODS

The plasma concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were quantified by ELISA. The best 2- and 3-marker combinations were calculated using the statistical software mROC. The diagnostic values for all the biomolecules as single markers and their combinations were estimated using the measures of diagnostic accuracy, i.e. the area under the ROC curve and the sensitivity and specificity at cutoff limits with the highest diagnostic accuracy and at the 95% limits of sensitivity and specificity, respectively.

RESULTS

MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were significantly elevated (p=0.000, p=0.013 and p=0.005, respectively) in oral cancer patients. MMP-9 emerged as the best single statistically significant marker in plasma for oral cancer detection. It showed an increase in diagnostic performance when tested in combination with MMP-2 and TIMP-2. The median plasma MMP-9 levels were elevated in both the metastatic and nonmetastatic groups compared with controls (p<0.004 and p<0.007, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that plasma MMP and TIMP levels in relevant combinations may facilitate clinical decisionmaking for improved management of oral cancer patients and may provide important data for selecting patients for treatment with drugs that interfere with MMP and TIMP activities.

Nedd4L modulates the transcription of metalloproteinase-1 and -13 genes to increase the invasive activity of gallbladder cancer

The aim of this study was to examine whether Nedd4L (neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally down-regulated 4-like) participated in gallbladder carcinogenesis. We first immunohistochemically examined the expression of Nedd4L in various gallbladder tissue specimens. Weak immunoreactivity to Nedd4L-specific antibody was observed in normal or dysplastic epithelial cells. Cancer cells in non-invasive regions exhibited little immunoreactivity, whereas strong immunostaining was found in cytoplasm of many invasive cancers, especially at cancer invasive front with desmoplastic reaction. Notably, siRNA-mediated silencing of the Nedd4L gene significantly decreased the Matrigel-invasion activity and collagen invasion activity of cultured gallbladder cancer cells, without affecting the cell growth. The subtractive mRNA hybridization followed by RT-PCR and immunoblotting revealed that down-regulation of Nedd4L significantly decreased the expression of collagenases, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and -13, in gallbladder cancer cells. Finally, immunohistochemical staining showed that many Nedd4L-expressing invasive gallbladder cancer cells co-expressed MMP-1 and MMP-13. These results indicated that over-expression of Nedd4L might lead to gallbladder cancer invasion by regulating the transcription of the MMP-1 and MMP-13 genes.

ADAM-17 over-expression in gallbladder carcinoma correlates with poor prognosis of patients

The ADAMs is a multi-functional gene family of membrane proteins possessing a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain. They have potential implications for the metastasis of human tumor cells via cell adhesion and protease activities. However, no studies have yet comprehensively examined the expression of ADAMs in gallbladder carcinoma. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that ADAM-17 (otherwise known as tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme) is involved in the progression of gallbladder carcinoma. Two hundreds samples of gallbladder carcinoma and sixty non-cancerous gallbladder samples were used to measure the expression of total ADAM-17 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the precursor and active forms by western blotting analysis. Expression of ADAM-17 was significantly increased in tumors with high histological grade and pT stage compared with low histological grade and pT stage tumors and was not associated with patients' gender, age, histological type, and resection margin involvement. Patients with high expression of ADAM-17 had a significantly shorter overall survival compared with those with low expression. Significantly, the prognostic impact of ADAM-17 was independent of conventional prognostic factors for gallbladder carcinoma. The current study demonstrated that the over-expression of ADAM-17 in patients with gallbladder carcinoma was linked closely with histological grade, pT stage and prognosis, and thus provides further impetus for exploiting ADAM-17 as new target for the treatment of gallbladder carcinoma.

Effects of ganzheng solution on invasion and metastasis of human hepatocellular line BEL-7402 in vitro

AIM: To explore the effect and mechanism of serum containing ganzheng solution on invasion and metastasis of human hepatocellular line BEL-7402.

METHODS: Using a serum pharmacologic method, the human hepatocellular line BEL-7402 was cultured with serum from hepatocellular cancer (HCC) patients before and after taking ganzheng solution. Invasion and adhesion assays were conducted in a Boyden chamber, and cell migration and morphology observed. The protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), tissue inhibitor of MMP2 (TIMP2), integrin β₁, and E-cadherin (E-cd) of the human hepatocellular line BEL-7402 were determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS: Serum containing ganzheng solution inhibited invasion (25.79 ± 2.31 vs 49.54 ± 4.32, P < 0.05), adhesion (42.38 ± 3.19 vs 68.67 ± 5.36, P < 0.05) and migration (34.72 ± 3.43 vs 54.16 ± 5.35, P < 0.05) of hepatocellular BEL-7402 cells. As well, the expression of MMP2 and integrin β₁ was decreased (MMP2, 289.61 ± 25.32 vs 439.28 ± 22.45; and integrin β₁, 286.05 ± 28.47 vs 389.57 ± 21.23, both P < 0.05), and the expression of TIMP2 and E-cd was significantly increased (TIMP2, 348.75 ± 34.58 vs 250.53 ± 16.48; and E-cd, 385.57 ± 26.36 vs 230.72 ± 13.41, both P < 0.05). The MMP2/TIMP2 ratio was significantly decreased (0.83 vs 1.76, P < 0.05). Morphologically, cells treated with serum not containing ganzheng solution showed variously shaped pseudopods, while those treated with serum containing ganzheng solution stayed round with relatively fewer pseudopods.

CONCLUSION: Serum containing ganzheng solution inhibits the invasion and adhesion of the human hepatocellular line BEL-7402. This may be associated with decreases in the MMP2/TIMP2 ratio and the expression of integrin β₁, and with increased expression of E-cd.

Endometrial tumor invasiveness is related to metalloproteinase 2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 expressions

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) expression has been linked to gynecological tumor aggressiveness. The objective of this study was to determine MMP-2, MMP-7, and MMP-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 expression in endometrial malignancies and their relation to clinical and histologic parameters. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor samples from 50 patients with endometrial carcinoma treated between 1999 and 2004 were stained with specific monoclonal antibodies. The tumors were grouped according to the FIGO classification. The staining results were compared to histologic and clinical data. Semiquantitative analysis of MMP and TIMP expression showed a significant difference in TIMP-2 expression according to the histologic subtype (P = 0.03) and also a trend towards a difference in MMP-9 expression (P = 0.05). MMP-2 expression increased and TIMP-2 expression fell as the histologic grade increased (P = 0.0007, P < 0.0001, respectively). MMP-2 expression correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.04), while TIMP-2 expression correlated with the depth of myometrial invasion (P = 0.01), vasculolymphatic space involvement (P = 0.02), and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0003). These results support the involvement of MMPs and TIMPs in endometrial tumor growth and progression. High MMP-2 and low TIMP-2 expression were the most potent markers of endometrial tumors with a high risk of local and distant spread.

Arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) inhibits peritoneal invasion of ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo

OBJECTIVES

To study the role of arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) in regulating peritoneal invasive activity of ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

The effects of As(2)O(3) on human ovarian cancer cell lines (3AO, SW626 and HO-8910PM) migration, invasion and adhesion with tumor cells and human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) were observed by means of cell migration test, cell invasion test and cell adhesion test. The effects of As(2)O(3) on MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 gene expressions and protein expressions of tumor cells were determined by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. In animal experiments, ovarian tumor cells were implanted into abdominal cavity of nude mice and then the nude mice were treated by intraperitoneal injection of different doses As(2)O(3). The foci on the surface of peritoneum were counted.

RESULTS

As(2)O(3) inhibited tumor cells migration, invasion and adhesion with HPMC in a dose-dependent manner, while the same treatment enhanced tumor cell-tumor cell interactions. As(2)O(3) inhibited mRNA and protein expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 of tumor cells. In contrast, As(2)O(3) increased mRNA and protein expressions of TIMP-1. As(2)O(3) could reduce tumor cells peritoneal metastasis in nude mice.

CONCLUSION

As(2)O(3) inhibits in vitro and in vivo peritoneal invasive activity of ovarian carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Its anti-invasive activity may be the results of reduced cell motility, inhibited attachment of tumor cells to HPMC and enhanced tumor cell-tumor cell interaction, as well as down-regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and up-regulation of TIMP-1 level.

Metalloproteinase-2, -7 and -9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and -2 expression in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic endometrium: a clinical-pathological correlation study

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors are key-players in extracellular matrix and basement membrane degradation, and are involved in both physiological and malignant processes. The aim of this study was to examine MMP-2, -7 and -9 and TIMP-1 and -2 expression in normal, hyperplastic and malignant endometrium, and their relation to clinical and histological prognostic factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed qualitative and semi-quantitative immunohistochemical analysis of 20 samples of normal endometrium (10 in the proliferative phase, 10 in the secretory phase), 39 samples of hyperplastic endometrium (17 without atypia and 22 with atypia) and 38 samples of endometrioid carcinoma, by using specific monoclonal antibodies.

RESULTS

In normal endometrium, epithelial expression of MMP-2 (P = 0.0007), MMP-7 (P = 0.0002) and TIMP-2 (P = 0.0004) was increased during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. MMP-2 expression correlated negatively with TIMP-2 expression (P = 0.001, rho = 0.702). Endometrial stromal cells in the secretory phase showed strong MMP-2 expression (P = 0.004) and weak MMP-7 (P = 0.001) and TIMP-1 expression (P = 0.01). In hyperplastic endometrium, the presence of atypia was associated with lower TIMP-2 expression (P = 0.005) and was also associated with a trend towards higher MMP-2 expression. Endometrial stromal cell expression of MMP-2, -7 and -9 and TIMP-1 and -2 did not differ between hyperplastic endometrium with and without atypia. A gradient of MMP-2 and -9 expression was observed from hyperplastic endometrium to endometrial carcinomas. In endometrial carcinomas, MMP-2 expression increased (P = 0.0004) and TIMP-2 expression decreased (P = 0.0005) with the histological grade. TIMP-2 expression correlated with myometrial invasion (P = 0.005), lymphovascular space involvement (P = 0.008) and lymph node involvement (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

These results support the involvement of MMPs and TIMPs in endometrial carcinogenesis. Strong MMP-2 and weak TIMP-2 expression were the most potent markers of endometrial malignancies with a high risk of local and distant spread.

Monocyte matrix and ADAM metalloproteinase expression in type 2 diabetes after aspirin therapy

The matrix metalloproteinase system (MMP and the TIMP inhibitors), and the ADAM metalloproteinases, have roles in maintaining vascular plaque stability and the shedding of cell surface molecules, such as TNF-alpha and adhesion molecules; aspirin suppresses MMP expression and ADAM activity from some cell lines in vitro. In a randomised prospective controlled study, we examined peripheral venous monocyte MMP-9, TIMP-1 and ADAM mRNA levels, and protein expression, in subjects with type 2 diabetes (n=10) and controls (n=14) before and after oral aspirin therapy (150mg daily for 14 days) or no active intervention. Baseline monocyte TIMP-1 mRNA levels were significantly lower in the diabetes group (p=0.0014), although monocyte MMP-9 mRNA, and MMP-9 and TIMP-1 protein expression after culture did not differ significantly between groups. Plasma MMP-9 (p=0.027) and TIMP-1 (p=0.016) concentrations were significantly greater, and the ratio of plasma TIMP-1:MMP-9 concentrations significantly lower, in the diabetes group (p=0.023). ADAM mRNA levels did not differ significantly between groups and oral aspirin therapy had no significant effect on any variable. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by reduced monocyte TIMP-1 mRNA levels, and a lower plasma MMP-9 to TIMP-1 protein ratio compared to controls, a pattern that would promote coronary plaque instability if reproduced within vascular plaque. Monocyte ADAM mRNA levels do not differ between group and oral aspirin has no significant effect on these variables.

Distribution patterns of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 and their inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in the human decidua during early pregnancy

Early human trophoblast shows dramatic invasive properties during early pregnancy. A tightly-regulated activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is considered to be of critical importance for the control of trophoblast invasion. The aim of the present study was to determine MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 protein expression in decidual endometrium during the first trimester of pregnancy (22-42 days post coitus) with special attention to their expression patterns in endometrial compartments. Cytokeratin staining applied to adjacent sections was used to identify epithelial and trophoblast cells. We observed that MMP-2, particularly in the fourth week, appeared to be expressed more strongly in extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) and vascular endothelial cells in the first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, MMP-2 is likely to be the primary mediator in invasion of the trophoblast into the decidual endometrium, as well as in vascular remodeling and angiogenesis in the first trimester of pregnancy. The high expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in EVTs and glandular epithelium suggests that a restricted and balanced expression of these molecules is important for matrix remodeling and controlled trophoblast invasion during placentation. We conclude that (1) MMP-2 and MMP-9 and their inhibitors TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 determine the invasive behavior of trophoblast into the endometrium, and in particular, (2) MMP-2 may be the key regulator of trophoblast invasion in early human pregnancy.

Proteolytic-antiproteolytic balance and its regulation in carcinogenesis

Cancer development is essentially a tissue remodeling process in which normal tissue is substituted with cancer tissue. A crucial role in this process is attributed to proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Degradation of ECM is initiated by proteases, secreted by different cell types, participating in tumor cell invasion and increased expression or activity of every known class of proteases (metallo-, serine-, aspartyl-, and cysteine) has been linked to malignancy and invasion of tumor cells. Proteolytic enzymes can act directly by degrading ECM or indirectly by activating other proteases, which then degrade the ECM. They act in a determined order, resulting from the order of their activation. When proteases exert their action on other proteases, the end result is a cascade leading to proteolysis. Presumable order of events in this complicated cascade is that aspartyl protease (cathepsin D) activates cysteine proteases (e.g., cathepsin B) that can activate pro-uPA. Then active uPA can convert plasminogen into plasmin. Cathepsin B as well as plasmin are capable of degrading several components of tumor stroma and may activate zymogens of matrix metalloproteinases, the main family of ECM degrading proteases. The activities of these proteases are regulated by a complex array of activators, inhibitors and cellular receptors. In physiological conditions the balance exists between proteases and their inhibitors. Proteolytic-antiproteolytic balance may be of major significance in the cancer development. One of the reasons for such a situation is enhanced generation of free radicals observed in many pathological states. Free radicals react with main cellular components like proteins and lipids and in this way modify proteolytic-antiproteolytic balance and enable penetration damaging cellular membrane. All these lead to enhancement of proteolysis and destruction of ECM proteins and in consequence to invasion and metastasis.

Association of cyclin D1, p16 and retinoblastoma protein expressions with prognosis and metastasis of gallbladder carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the role of cyclin D1, p16 and retinoblastoma in cancerous process of gallbladder carcinomas and to assess the relation between cyclin D1, p16, Rb and the biological characteristics of gallbladder carcinoma.

METHODS: Forty-one gallbladder carcinoma, 7 gallbladder adenoma and 14 chronic cholecystitis specimens were immunohistochemically and histopathologically investigated for the relation of cyclin D1, p16 and Rb with Nevin staging and pathologic grading.

RESULTS: The expression rates of abnormal cyclin D1 in gallbladder carcinoma (68.3%)and gallbladder adenoma(57.1%) were significantly higher than those in chronic cholecystitis (7.1%) (P<0.05). No significant difference was found both among the pathological grades G₁, G₂ and G₃ and among Nevin stagings S₁-S₂, S₃ and S₄-S₅ of gallbladder carcinoma. The positive rates of p16 (48.8%) and Rb (58.5%) in gallbladder carcinoma were significantly lower compared to those in adenoma (100.0%) and cholecystitis (100.0%) (P<0.05). The positive rates of p16 and Rb in Nevin stagings S₁-S₂ (80.0% and 90.0%) and S₃ (46.2% and 61.5%) gallbladder carcinomas were significantly higher than those in S₄-S₅ (33.3% and 38.8%) (P<0.05), and those in pathologic grades G₁ (54.5% and 81.8%) and G₂ (50.0% and 62.5%) gallbladder carcinoma were significantly higher than those in G₃ (28.6% and 35.7%) (P<0.05). The protein expression of p16 and Rb had a negative-correlation in gallbladder carcinoma (r = -0.2993, P<0.05), and this negative-correlation was correlated with Nevin staging (P<0.05). Moreover, the protein expression of p16 and cyclin D1 had a negative-correlation in gallbladder carcinoma (r = -0.9417, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Cyclin D1 may play a role in the early stage of gallbladder carcinoma. Mutation of p16 and Rb genes might be correlated with progression of gallbladder carcinoma. Analysis of p16 and Rb can estimate the prognosis of gallbladder carcinoma. Expression of p16 and Rb may be correlated with Nevin staging and pathologic grading in gallbladder carcinoma.

Plasma matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 as biomarkers of ulcerative colitis activity

AIM: Overexpression of mucosal metalloproteinases (MMP) have been demonstrated recently in inflammatory bowel disease. Their activity can be counterbalanced by the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ulcerative colitis (UC) on MMP-1 and TIMP-1 plasma concentrations, as two possible biomarkers of the disease activity.

METHODS: MMP-1 and TIMP-1 plasma concentrations were measured with an enzyme immunoassay in 16 patients with endoscopically confirmed active UC.

RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of both MMP-1 (13.7 ± 0.2 ng/ml) and TIMP-1 (799 ± 140 ng/ml) were significantly elevated in UC patients in comparison to healthy controls (11.9 ± 0.9 ng/ml and 220 ± 7 ng/ml respectively). There was no correlation between TIMP-1 and MMP-1 concentrations (r = -0.02). TIMP-1 levels revealed significant positive correlations with scored endoscopic degree of mucosal injury, disease activity index and clinical activity index values as well as C-reactive protein concentration. There was no correlation between MMP-1 and laboratory, clinical or endoscopic indices of the disease activity.

CONCLUSION: These results confirm the role of both MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. However only TIMP-1 can be useful as a biomarker of the disease activity, demonstrating association with clinical and endoscopic pictures.

Effect of batimastat on Matrix metallopro-teinase-2 mRNA in rat hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM

To study the dynamic changes of matrix metalloproteinase-2 mRNA in liver tissue during the experimental hepatocarcin-ogenesis and the effect of Batimastat on it.

METHODS

Hepatocellular carcinoma was induced with the administration of diethy Initrosoamine(DENA) in rats. BB-94 was intraperitoneally injected to treat the experimental models. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used for quantitative analysis of MMP-2 mRNA expression level during the induction and therapy.

RESULTS

The expression of MMP-2mRNA was increased throughout the hepatocarcinogenesis, and reach had its maximum plateau in the early hepatocarcinogenesis stage. BB-94 no effect on MMP-2mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

MMP-2mRNA expression is increasing during hepatocarcinogenesis, and BB-94 has no effect on MMP-2mRNA expression.