Bioinformatics analysis revealing prognostic significance of TIMP2 gene in breast cancer.

ABSTRACT: Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP2) is a member of the TIMP gene family. Accumulated evidence indicates that TIMP2 plays a significant role in various tumor processes including cell growth, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. However, the expression patterns and exact roles of TIMP2 had not been elucidated in breast cancer. In our research, we evaluated the expression and prognostic value of TIMP2 in breast cancer through analyzing various databases including Oncomine, bc-GenExMiner, PrognoScan, UCSC Xena, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, and PPI network. The results showed that TIMP2 was down-regulated in various breast cancer subtypes. Additionally, TIMP2 was significantly associated with age, estrogen receptor status, basal-like group, triple-negative breast cancer, PAM50 subtypes, and RSSPC subtypes. Also, the expression of TIMP2 was related to overall survival with different clinical characteristics. We analyzed the co-expressed genes with TIMP2 and interaction information with other proteins. These results disclosed that TIMP2 might serve as a potential target and prognostic biomarker in breast cancer. However, additional research is required to demonstrate our findings and motivate the clinical importance of TIMP2 in breast cancer.

A Dual Role of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Angiotensin II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in the Normolipidemic Mice.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) bears a high risk of rupture and sudden death of the patient. The pathogenic mechanisms of AAA remain elusive, and surgical intervention represents the only treatment option. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a heme degrading enzyme, is induced in AAA, both in mice and humans. HO-1 was reported to mitigate AAA development in an angiotensin II (AngII)-induced model of AAA in hyperlipidemic ApoE-/- mice. Since the role of hyperlipidaemia in the pathogenesis of AAA remains controversial, we aimed to evaluate the significance of HO-1 in the development and progression of AAA in normolipidemic animals. The experiments were performed in HO-1-deficient mice and their wild-type counterparts. We demonstrated in non-hypercholesterolemic mice that the high-dose of AngII leads to the efficient formation of AAA, which is attenuated by HO-1 deficiency. Yet, if formed, they are significantly more prone to rupture upon HO-1 shortage. Differential susceptibility to AAA formation does not rely on enhanced inflammatory response or oxidative stress. AAA-resistant mice are characterized by an increase in regulators of aortic remodeling and angiotensin receptor-2 expression, significant medial thickening, and delayed blood pressure elevation in response to AngII. To conclude, we unveil a dual role of HO-1 deficiency in AAA in normolipidemic mice, where it protects against AAA development, but exacerbates the state of formed AAA.

Resveratrol inhibits the tumor migration and invasion by upregulating TET1 and reducing TIMP2/3 methylation in prostate carcinoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Recently, resveratrol (Res) has been suggested to suppress the migration and invasion of prostate cancer (PCa). In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Res on genomic DNA methylation, as well as the migration and invasion of PCa cells. METHODS: The suppression by Res of the growth of PCa cells was verified through a cytotoxicity assay. In addition, the effects of Res on 5-methylcytosine (5mC), 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), and ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) levels were assessed, and the cell migration and invasion were also determined. The expressions of TET1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) 2, TIMP3, MMP2, and MMP9 were detected through Western blot analysis. Afterward, TET1 was silenced using lentiviral short hairpin RNA to examine the effect of TET1 on the Res-triggered inhibition of migration and invasion of PCa cells. RESULTS: Our results showed that Res upregulated the 5hmC and TET1 levels and downregulated the 5mC level. Moreover, Res also inhibited the migration and invasion of PCa cells, promoted the demethylation of TIMP2 and TIMP3 to upregulate their expressions, and suppressed the expressions of MMP2 and MMP9. The silencing of TET1 in the presence of Res showed that Res could exert its effect through TET1. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that Res inhibited the migration and invasion of PCa cells via the TET1/TIMP2/TIMP3 pathway, which might potentially serve as a target for the treatment of PCa.

Vampires 2.0? The ethical quandaries of young blood infusion in the quest for eternal life.

Can transfusions of blood plasma slow down ageing or even rejuvenate people? Recent preclinical studies and experimental tests inspired by the technique known as parabiosis have aroused great media attention, although for now there is no clear evidence of their effectiveness. This line of research and the interest it is triggering testify to the prominent role played by the idea of combating the "natural" ageing process in the scientific and social agenda. While seeking to increase the duration of healthy living time may be considered a duty, it also raises ethical questions about how to pursue this goal. Specifically, therapies and techniques accessible only to a fraction of the population seem destined to exponentially increase social inequality and to produce undesirable consequences. In this article we address the issue precisely in the light of the prospected use of plasma for the rejuvenation of a small elite of people.

Effects of 1,25-Dihydroxy vitamin D3 on TNF-α induced inflammation in human chondrocytes and SW1353 cells: a possible role for toll-like receptors.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate anti-inflammatory and chondro-protective effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 in human chondrocytes and SW1353 cells via investigating expressions of MMPs, TIMPs, VDR, and intracellular signalling pathway mediators such as TLR-2 and -4. The HC and SW1353 cells were treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 at 10, 100, and 1000 nM concentrations in the absence/presence of TNF-α (20 ng/mL) for 48 h. The mRNA expressions of MMP-1, -2, -3, -9, and -13, TIMP-1 and -2, VDR, TLR-2 and -4 in HC and SW1353 cells were detected by qPCR after treatments. The cytotoxicity and cell proliferation analyses were assessed by LDH and WST-1 assay, respectively. Protein levels of MMPs, TIMPs, and VDR were analysed by immunocytochemistry and ELISA methods. TNF-α markedly increased cytotoxicity for 24, 48, 72 h (p < 0.05) and vitamin D treatment was shown to diminish the cytotoxic effect of TNF-α. Cell proliferations increased by Vitamin D in a dose-dependent manner. mRNA expressions of MMP-1, -2, -3, -9, and -13, TLR-2 and -4 genes decreased with 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment (p < 0.05). VDR, TIMP-1 and -2 levels elevated after TNF-α exposure compared with the control group in HC cells (p < 0.05). Protein expression levels were determined using Western blotting, ELISA and immunocytochemistry. 1,25(OH)2D3 via binding to VDR, reversed the effects of TNF-α by inhibiting TLR-2 and 4. Decreased levels of VDR, TIMP-1 and -2 after TNF-α treatment were elevated by 1,25(OH)2D3 proportional with increasing 1,25(OH)2D3 doses. 1,25(OH)2D3 and TNF-α co-treatment decreased MMP-1, -2, -3, -9, and -13 levels were after TNF-α exposure.

MicroRNA-93 promotes the tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma by targeting TIMP2.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent primary bone malignancy and affects adolescents and young adults. Recently dysregulation of miRNAs has received more attention because of its extensive role in OS carcinogenesis. This research was designed to verify how microRNA-93 (miR-93) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) be involved in OS development. At first, the levels of miR-93 and its predictive target gene TIMP2 were detected in OS and osteoblast cell lines, and 62 pairs OS and adjacent non-OS specimens by real-time PCR and western blot. Then, viability, invasion, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OS cell lines were examined when overexpressed or knocked down miR-93, or overexpressed TIMP2. Finally, the interaction between miR-93 and TIMP2 was evaluated using mutation, gain, and loss experiment. Our data indicated that miR-93 was increased while TIMP2 was decreased in both OS cell lines and tissues. MiR-93 high-expression and TIMP2 low-expression were related with poor overall survival and prognosis of OS patients. Overexpression or knockdown experiment indicated that miR-93 enhanced OS cell viability, invasion, and EMT expression. TIMP2 could inhibit OS cell viability, invasion, and EMT expression. Further, miR-93 directly targeted TIMP2 and negatively regulated TIMP2 level in OS cells. And up-regulation of TIMP2 reversed the effects of miR-93 in OS. Finally, miR-93 regulated the oncogenic functions in OS cells by regulating the expression of TIMP2. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that miR-93 may exert an oncogenic function while TIMP2 may act as a tumor suppressor on OS.

Immunoexpression of MMP-8, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 in dilated cardiomyopathy.

Alteration of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) expression has been studied for various cardiac diseases, including dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), with the significance of surrogate markers of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. In this study, we determined the MMP-8, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 immunoexpression in the heart of patients diagnosed with DCM in relation to a histological composite score (HCS). The study included 40 cases of heart fragments that were processed by the usual paraffin inclusion technique, followed by a semi-quantitative evaluation of histopathological parameters, which summed, allowed the establishment of a HCS. Subsequently, the cases were immunohistochemically processed for MMP-8, MMP-9 and TIMP-2, followed by the semi-quantitative evaluation of their expression intensity. MMP-8 was identified only in myocardiocytes, while MMP-9 and TIMP-2 were present in both myocardiocytes and stroma, but with different intensity. The increasing intensity of MMP-8 and TIMP-2 immunoreactions was significantly associated with low HCS. In case of MMP-9, the immunostaining intensity analysis in relation to the HCS level revealed insignificant differences, but we found an association of increased and moderate intensity with low HCS. The imbalance between TIMPs and MMPs disrupts the ECM architecture and contributes to the remodeling process in DCM, aspect that can be used in the development of new clinical therapies.

PARP-1 inhibition provides protection against elastase-induced emphysema by mitigating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases.

In our previous study, we have shown that PARP-1 inhibition (genetic or pharmacological) ameliorates elastase-induced inflammation and emphysema. Since matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) particularly MMP-2 and MMP-9 are known to play a critical role in emphysema development, the present work was designed to evaluate the effects of PARP-1 inhibition on their expression utilizing elastase-induced mouse model of emphysema. Our data show that olaparib administration at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.wt. (daily) significantly prevented the elastase-induced inflammation as indicated by decreased inflammatory cells particularly macrophages in BALF at 1 week post-injury. In addition, the drug restored the altered redox balance in the lungs of elastase-treated mice toward normal. Further, PCR data show that olaparib administration ameliorates the elastase-induced expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 without having much effect on the expressions of their inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Next, our data on immunoblot, gelatin zymography, and immunohistochemical analysis indeed confirm that olaparib reduced the elastase-induced expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Reduction in the expression of metalloproteinases correlate well with the PARP activity as olaparib treatment suppressed the elastase-induced expression of PAR modified proteins markedly. Overall, our data strongly suggest that PARP-1 inhibition blunts elastase-induced MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, which may be partly responsible for prevention of emphysema.

Genistein reverses isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy by regulating miR-451/TIMP2.

Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, a prevalent clinical condition is deeply associated with many physiological factors. The underlying mechanisms of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy are not yet fully understood. In this study, H9C2 cells were treated with genistein, miR-451 mimic, miR-451 inhibitor and isoproterenol for 24 h, to study the effect of genistein on isoproterenol-induced myocardial hypertrophy in vitro. Simultaneously, ICR mice were treated with genistein for 21 days to evaluate the effects of the phytochemical on isoproterenol-induced myocardial hypertrophy in vivo. Results showed that isoproterenol induced cardiac hypertrophy and down-regulated the expression of miR-451 and up-regulated miR-451's target gene TIMP2. Genistein increased the expression of miR-451 and inhibited the isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy. This study explored the function of genistein from the epigenetic level, suggesting that miR-451 may play a significant role in the genistein-assisted amelioration of isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy both in vitro and in vivo.

Increased Expression Levels of Metalloprotease, Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloprotease, Metallothionein, and p63 in Ectopic Endometrium: An Animal Experimental Study.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the patterns of cell differentiation, proliferation, and tissue invasion in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of rabbits with induced endometriotic lesions via a well- known experimental model, 4 and 8 weeks after the endometrial implantation procedure. METHODS: Twenty-nine female New Zealand rabbits underwent laparotomy for endometriosis induction through the resection of one uterine horn, isolation of the endometrium, and fixation of tissue segment to the pelvic peritoneum. Two groups of animals (one with 14 animals, and the other with15) were sacrificed 4 and 8 weeks after endometriosis induction. The lesion was excised along with the opposite uterine horn for endometrial gland and stroma determination. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues for analysis of the following markers: metalloprotease (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease (TIMP-2), which are involved in the invasive capacity of the endometrial tissue; and metallothionein (MT) and p63, which are involved in cell differentiation and proliferation. RESULTS: The intensity of the immunostaining for MMP9, TIMP-2, MT, and p63 was higher in ectopic endometria than in eutopic endometria. However, when the ectopic lesions were compared at 4 and 8 weeks, no significant difference was observed, with the exception of the marker p63, which was more evident after 8 weeks of evolution of the ectopic endometrial tissue. CONCLUSION: Ectopic endometrial lesions seem to express greater power for cell differentiation and tissue invasion, compared with eutopic endometria, demonstrating a potentially invasive, progressive, and heterogeneous presentation of endometriosis.

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o padrão de diferenciação celular, proliferação e invasão tecidual em endométrio eutópico e ectópico de coelhas com lesões de endometriose induzidas por um modelo experimental 4 e 8 semanas após o procedimento de implantação endometrial. MéTODOS: Vinte e nove coelhas fêmeas Nova Zelândia foram submetidas a laparotomia para indução de endometriose através da ressecção de um dos cornos uterinos, isolamento do endométrio e fixação do tecido no peritônio pélvico. Dois grupos de animais (14 animais em um grupo e 15 animais no outro) foram sacrificados 4 e 8 semanas após a indução da endometriose. A lesão foi excisada junto com o corno uterino contralateral para determinação da presença de glândulas e de estroma endometrial. Reações de imunohistoquímica foram realizadas no tecido endometrial eutópico e ectópico para análise dos seguintes marcadores: metaloprotease (MMP9) e inibidor tecidual da metaloprotease 2 (TIMP-2), os quais estão envolvidos na capacidade de invasão do tecido endometrial; e metalotioneina (MT) e p63, os quais estão envolvidos na diferenciação e proliferação celular. RESULTADOS: A intensidade da imunomarcação para MMP9, TIMP-2, MT e p63 foi mais alta nos endométrios ectópicos do que nos endométrios eutópicos. Contudo, quando as lesões foram comparadas entre 4 e 8 semanas, nenhuma diferença foi observada, com exceção do marcador p63, o qual foi mais evidente depois de 8 semanas de evolução do tecido endometrial ectópico. CONCLUSãO: Lesões endometriais ectópicas parecem expressar maior poder de diferenciação celular e de invasão tecidual comparadas com endométrios eutópicos, demonstrando o potencial de invasão, de progressão e de apresentação heterogênea da endometriose.

Increased expression levels of metalloprotease, tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease, metallothionein, and p63 in ectopic endometrium: an animal experimental study / Aumento nos níveis de expressão de metaloprotease, inibidor tecidual das metaloproteases, metalotioneina e p63 em endométrio ectópico: um estudo experimental animal

Abstract Objective To characterize the patterns of cell differentiation, proliferation, and tissue invasion in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of rabbits with induced endometriotic lesions via a well- known experimental model, 4 and 8 weeks after the endometrial implantation procedure. Methods Twenty-nine female New Zealand rabbits underwent laparotomy for endometriosis induction through the resection of one uterine horn, isolation of the endometrium, and fixation of tissue segment to the pelvic peritoneum. Two groups of animals (one with 14 animals, and the other with15) were sacrificed 4 and 8 weeks after endometriosis induction. The lesion was excised along with the opposite uterine horn for endometrial gland and stroma determination. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissues for analysis of the following markers: metalloprotease (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease (TIMP-2), which are involved in the invasive capacity of the endometrial tissue; and metallothionein (MT) and p63, which are involved in cell differentiation and proliferation. Results The intensity of the immunostaining for MMP9, TIMP-2, MT, and p63 was higher in ectopic endometria than in eutopic endometria. However, when the ectopic lesions were compared at 4 and 8 weeks, no significant difference was observed, with the exception of the marker p63, which was more evident after 8 weeks of evolution of the ectopic endometrial tissue. Conclusion Ectopic endometrial lesions seem to express greater power for cell differentiation and tissue invasion, compared with eutopic endometria, demonstrating a potentially invasive, progressive, and heterogeneous presentation of endometriosis.

Resumo Objetivo Caracterizar o padrão de diferenciação celular, proliferação e invasão tecidual em endométrio eutópico e ectópico de coelhas com lesões de endometriose induzidas por um modelo experimental 4 e 8 semanas após o procedimento de implantação endometrial. Métodos Vinte e nove coelhas fêmeas Nova Zelândia foram submetidas a laparotomia para indução de endometriose através da ressecção de um dos cornos uterinos, isolamento do endométrio e fixação do tecido no peritônio pélvico. Dois grupos de animais (14 animais em um grupo e 15 animais no outro) foram sacrificados 4 e 8 semanas após a indução da endometriose. A lesão foi excisada junto com o corno uterino contralateral para determinação da presença de glândulas e de estroma endometrial. Reações de imunohistoquímica foram realizadas no tecido endometrial eutópico e ectópico para análise dos seguintes marcadores: metaloprotease (MMP9) e inibidor tecidual da metaloprotease 2 (TIMP-2), os quais estão envolvidos na capacidade de invasão do tecido endometrial; e metalotioneina (MT) e p63, os quais estão envolvidos na diferenciação e proliferação celular. Resultados A intensidade da imunomarcação para MMP9, TIMP-2, MT e p63 foi mais alta nos endométrios ectópicos do que nos endométrios eutópicos. Contudo, quando as lesões foram comparadas entre 4 e 8 semanas, nenhuma diferença foi observada, com exceção do marcador p63, o qual foi mais evidente depois de 8 semanas de evolução do tecido endometrial ectópico. Conclusão Lesões endometriais ectópicas parecem expressar maior poder de diferenciação celular e de invasão tecidual comparadas com endométrios eutópicos, demonstrando o potencial de invasão, de progressão e de apresentação heterogênea da endometriose.

Matrix metalloproteinases-2, -7 and tissue metalloproteinase inhibitor-1 expression in human endometrium.

INTRODUCTION: Endometrium undergoes regular, cyclic tissue remodeling mostly associated to the endocrine system status. It is well-known fact that steroid hormones are strongly responsible for changes in endometrium. The precise mechanism of their action is still under investigation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of metalloproteinases 2 and 7 (MMP-2, -7) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) in human endometrium in relation to serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone during different phases of menstrual cycle. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study material consisted of 52 biopsy samples; 12 obtained in the proliferative phase, 11 in the secretory phase and 29 during menstruation. Expression of MMP-2, MMP-7 and TIMP-1 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone at time of biopsy were evaluated by immunochemistry assay. Results of the study were statistically assessed by linear regression model. RESULTS: Increased serum concentration of estradiol was associated with increased MMP-2 expression in proliferative phase but decreased in secretory phase and during menstruation. No significant relationship was found between progesterone concentration and MMP-2 expression. Moreover, no difference in the expression of MMP-7 and TIMP-1 in the endometrium in relation to hormone levels and menstrual cycle phases were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that estradiol influence MMP-2 expression in the endometrium depends on the phase of menstrual cycle. Such relationships were not found for MMP-7 and TIMP-1 and further tests clarifying association between estradiol and MMPs are needed.

Anti-ageing skin effects of Korean bamboo salt on SKH1 hairless mice.

Bamboo salt is generated by baking bamboo and sea salt and is used as a traditional food or medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-ageing skin effects of Korean bamboo salt and to compare the antioxidant, anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory effects of various salts, including purified salt, solar salt, bath solar salt, Masada solar salt, 1-time baked bamboo salt (1× bamboo salt), and 9-times baked bamboo salt (9× bamboo salt). Based on the content of mineral elements, pH, OH groups and redox potential amperometric analysis, the 9× bamboo salt showed the most antioxidant components and characteristics compared to the other salts. The in vitro results showed that the 9× bamboo salt could inhibit oxidative damage by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment in HaCaT keratinocytes, and its effect was better than that of the other salts. In an in vivo experiment, SHK-1 hairless mice were treated with UV (ultraviolet) radiation to induce ageing. The epidermal thickness and epidermal structures were then assessed by phenotypic and histological analyses. The 0.2% 9× bamboo salt- and 1× bamboo salt-treated mice had a thinner epidermis than the control mice, and the sebaceous glands were almost intact with a regular arrangement that was similar to those in the normal group. Compared with the UV-treated group (control group) and other salt-treated groups, the 9× bamboo salt- and 1× bamboo salt-treated groups had higher dermal collagen and elastic fibre content. Fewer mast cells were observed in the 9× bamboo salt- and 1× bamboo salt-treated groups than in the control group. The activities of the skin antioxidant-related enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the 9× bamboo salt- and 1× bamboo salt-treated groups were higher than those in other groups and similar to those in the normal group, but lipid peroxide (LPO) activity and carbonylated protein levels showed the opposite trends. Furthermore, the 9× bamboo salt- and 1× bamboo salt-treated groups had protein contents similar to those of the normal group. In addition, the 9× bamboo salt and 1× bamboo salt effectively down-regulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and up-regulated the expression of tissue inhibitor expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), SOD and CAT compared to the other salts at a concentration of 0.2% (p < 0.05). These results suggest that at appropriate concentrations, bamboo salt could prevent skin ageing induced by ultraviolet radiation b (UVB) photodamage.

Changes in the pattern of fibrosis in the rat lung with repetitive orotracheal instillations of gastric contents: evidence of persistent collagen accumulation.

Recurrent aspiration of gastric contents has been associated with several interstitial lung diseases. Despite this association, the pathogenic role of aspiration in these diseases has been poorly studied and little is known about extracellular matrix (ECM) changes in animal models of repetitive events of aspiration. Our aim was to study the repair phase of lung injury induced by each of several instillations of gastric fluid in Sprague-Dawley rats to evaluate changes in ECM and their reversibility. Anesthetized animals received weekly orotracheal instillations of gastric fluid for 1, 2, 3, and 4 wk and were euthanized at day 7 after last instillation. For reversibility studies, another group received 7 weekly instillations and was euthanized at day 7 or 60 after last instillation. Biochemical and histological measurements were used to evaluate ECM changes. Lung hydroxyproline content increased progressively and hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and alpha-SMA stains showed that after a single instillation, intra-alveolar fibrosis predominated, whereas with repetitive instillations this fibrosis pattern became less prominent and interstitial fibrosis progressively became evident. Both type I and III collagen increased in intra-alveolar and interstitial fibrosis. Imbalance between matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) expression was observed, favoring either collagen degradation or accumulation depending on the number of instillations. Caspase-3 activation was also dose dependent. ECM changes were partially reversible at long-term evaluation, since Masson bodies, granulomas, and foreign body giant cells disappeared, whereas interstitial collagen accumulated. In conclusion, repetitive lung instillations of gastric fluid induce progressive fibrotic changes in rat lung ECM that persist at long-term evaluation.

Overexpression of Myosin Phosphatase Target Subunit 1 (MYPT1) Inhibits Tumor Progression and Metastasis of Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND Myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) serves as a subgroup of myosin phosphatases, and is frequently low-expressed in human cancers. However, little is known about the effects of MYPT1 in gastric cancer (GC). MATERIAL AND METHODS In our study, MYPT1 expression was detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) in GC tissues, different advanced pathological stages of GC tissues, and preoperative and postoperative patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to measure the overall survival of GC patients. MYPT1 expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot assays in GES-1 cells and GC cells. Cell proliferation, cycle, and migration and invasion abilities were detected by CCK-8, flow cytometry, and Transwell assays. E-cadherin, TIMP-2, MMP-2, MMP-9 RhoA, and p-RhoA expressions were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot assays in treated SNU-5 cells. RESULTS Our results indicated that MYPT1 was down-regulated in GC tissues and cells, and is related to clinical stages and overall survival of GC. Functional research demonstrated that overexpression of MYPT1 can inhibit cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and migration and invasion of GC cells. Many studies on mechanisms reported that overexpression of MYPT1 dramatically improved the expression levels of cell cycle-related genes (Cyclin D1 and c-myc), significantly increased epithelial marker (E-cadherin) expression, and decreased invasion-associated genes (TIMP-2 and MMP-2) expressions in SNU-5 cells. In addition, we found that MYPT1 suppressed RhoA phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS We verified that MYPT1 inhibits GC cell proliferation and metastasis by regulating RhoA phosphorylation.

Impact of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 on COPD Development in Polish Patients: Genetic Polymorphism, Protein Level, and Their Relationship with Lung Function.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by a decline of lung function and symptoms such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema leading from lung tissue destruction. Increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and an imbalance between MMPs and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are considered as factors influencing the pathogenesis of COPD. We investigated the role of genetic polymorphism and expression level of MMP-9 and concentration of its complexes with TIMPs in the development of COPD among Polish patients. We analyzed SNP in the promoter region of MMP-9 gene (rs3918242) using PCR-RFLP method among 335 COPD patients and 309 healthy individuals. Additionally, 60 COPD patients and 61 controls were tested for copy number variants (CNV) of MMP-9 (by quantitative real-time PCR) and serum levels of MMP-9 and its complexes with TIMP1 and TIMP2 (using ELISA). All subjects were analyzed for lung function using spirometry (FEV1% and FEV1/FVC parameters). We observed that allele and genotype frequencies of the SNP rs3918242, as well as the number of gene copies, were similar in COPD patient and controls groups. Serum levels of MMP-9 and MMP-9/TIMP1 complex were significantly higher in COPD patients in comparison to controls groups, although independently of analyzed gene polymorphisms. Additionally, the significant inverse relationships between parameters of lung function (FEV1% and FEV1/FVC) and proteins level were found in ridge regression models, especially we found that FEV1% decreased when MMP-9 level increased in controls and patients with COPD group. In conclusion, we found that COPD patients were predisposed to produce more MMP-9 and MMP-9/TIMP1 complex than healthy individuals. This phenomenon is probably associated with the disease-related lung environment but not with genetic features of the MMP-9.

Use of a protein engineering strategy to overcome limitations in the production of "Difficult to Express" recombinant proteins.

Certain recombinant proteins are deemed "difficult to express" in mammalian expression systems requiring significant cell and/or process engineering to abrogate expression bottlenecks. With increasing demand for the production of recombinant proteins in mammalian cells, low protein yields can have significant consequences for industrial processes. To investigate the molecular mechanisms that restrict expression of recombinant proteins, naturally secreted model proteins were analyzed from the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP) protein family. In particular, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 were subjected to detailed study. TIMP proteins share significant sequence homology (∼50% identity and ∼70% similarity in amino acid sequence). However, they show marked differences in secretion in mammalian expression systems despite this extensive sequence homology. Using these two proteins as models, this study characterized the molecular mechanisms responsible for poor recombinant protein production. Our results reveal that both TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 are detectable at mRNA and protein level within the cell but only TIMP-2 is secreted effectively into the extracellular medium. Analysis of protein localization and the nature of intracellular protein suggest TIMP-3 is severely limited in its post-translational processing. To overcome this challenge, modification of the TIMP-3 sequence to include a furin protease-cleavable pro-sequence resulted in secretion of the modified TIMP-3 protein, however, incomplete processing was observed. Based on the TIMP-3 data, the protein engineering approach was optimized and successfully applied in combination with cell engineering, the overexpression of furin, to another member of the TIMP protein family (the poorly expressed TIMP-4). Use of the described protein engineering strategy resulted in successful secretion of poorly (TIMP-4) and non-secreted (TIMP-3) targets, and presents a novel strategy to enhance the production of "difficult" recombinant targets. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 2348-2359. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

MMP-10, MMP-7, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNA expression in esophageal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) and the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are involved in the spread of cancer. METHODS: We have evaluated the matrix metalloproteinases' (MMP-10, MMP-7) and their inhibitors' (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases - TIMP-1, TIMP-2) mRNA expression in 61 esophageal cancer samples from patients who had undergone surgery, by using real-time quantitative RT-PCR, and correlated the results with the patient clinicopathologic features. RESULTS: MMP-10, MMP-7, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 were overexpressed in 73%, 85%, 55% and 42% of esophageal cancer samples, respectively. The expression of MMP-10, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 correlated with the tumor size. The MMP-7 overexpression was associated with the tumour stage (I, II vs III, p=0.05) and lymph node metastasis (N0 vs N1, p=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that in the resected esophageal cancer an increased mRNA expression of MMP-7, MMP-10 and TIMP-1 correlated with clinicopathologic features. We suggest that these genes may play a role during progression of the disease.

Reduced Scleral TIMP-2 Expression Is Associated With Myopia Development: TIMP-2 Supplementation Stabilizes Scleral Biomarkers of Myopia and Limits Myopia Development.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the endogenous regulation pattern of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in the tree shrew sclera during myopia development and investigate the capacity of exogenous TIMP-2 to inhibit matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in vitro and both scleral collagen degradation and myopia development in vivo. Methods: TIMP-2 expression in the sclera during myopia development was assessed using polymerase chain reaction. In vitro TIMP-2 inhibition of MMP-2 was investigated using a gelatinase activity plate assay and zymography. Tree shrews were injected with a collagen precursor before undergoing monocular form deprivation and concurrent daily subconjunctival injections of either TIMP-2 or vehicle to the form-deprived eye. In vivo ocular biometry changes were monitored, and scleral tissue was collected after 12 days and assayed for collagen degradation. Results: The development of myopia was associated with a mean reduction in TIMP-2 mRNA expression after 5 days of form deprivation (P < 0.01). Both activation and activity of MMP-2 were inhibited by TIMP-2 with an IC50 of 10 to 20 and 2 nM, respectively. In vivo exogenous addition of TIMP-2 significantly reduced myopia development (P < 0.01), due to reduced vitreous chamber elongation (P < 0.01). In vivo TIMP-2 treatment also significantly inhibited posterior scleral collagen degradation relative to vehicle-treated eyes (P < 0.01), with levels similar to those in control eyes. Conclusions: Myopia development in mammals is associated with reduced expression of TIMP-2, which contributes to increased degradative activity in the sclera. It follows that replenishment of this TIMP-2 significantly reduced the rate of both scleral collagen degradation and myopia development.

Carvedilol Attenuates the Progression of Hepatic Fibrosis Induced by Bile Duct Ligation.

Background. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is responsible for hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and the accumulation of collagen that occurs in hepatic fibrogenesis. Carvedilol has been widely used for the complication of hepatic cirrhosis in the clinic. Furthermore, it has powerful antioxidant properties. We assessed the potential antifibrotic effects of carvedilol and the underlying mechanisms that may further enhance its clinical benefits. Methods. Using a bile duct ligation rat model of hepatic fibrosis, we studied the effects of carvedilol on the fibrosis, collagen deposition, and oxidative stress based on histology, immunohistochemistry, western blot, and RT-PCR analyses. Results. Carvedilol attenuated liver fibrosis, as evidenced by reduced hydroxyproline content and the accumulation of collagen, downregulated TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, and upregulated MMP-13. MMP-2 was an exception, which was decreased after carvedilol treatment for 2 weeks and upregulated after carvedilol treatment for 4 weeks. Carvedilol reduced the activation of HSCs, decreased the induction of collagen, transforming growth factor-ß1, and MDA content, and strengthened the SOD activity. The antifibrotic effects were augmented as dosages increased. Conclusions. The study indicates that carvedilol attenuated hepatic fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner. It can decrease collagen accumulation and HSCs activation by the amelioration of oxidative stress.