Urokinase stimulates production of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in fibroblasts with involvement of reactive oxygen species.

ABSTRACT

In cultured fibroblasts, urokinase stimulated expression of MMP-9 and generation of ROS, while antioxidant ebselen abolished the stimulating effect of urokinase on MMP-9 expression. sTNF-α produced similar and more pronounced stimulating effect. The data showed that urokinase could regulate MMP-9 expression via ROS generation in fibroblasts, which can play an important role in stimulation of their migration and development of constrictor (negative) vascular remodeling due to thickening of the adventitia.