Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Concentrations Research Articles

Relevance of Plasma Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 for Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is a highly morbid form of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Several plasma proteins have been identified as biomarkers for BOS after lung transplantation. The relevance of these biomarkers in BOS patients after allogeneic HCT has not been examined. We hypothesized that biomarkers associated with BOS after lung transplantation are also associated with BOS after allogeneic HCT. We tested plasma samples from 33 adult HCT patients who participated in a phase II multicenter study of fluticasone, azithromycin, and montelukast (FAM) treatment for new-onset BOS (NCT01307462), and matched control samples of HCT patients who had non-BOS chronic GVHD (n=31) and those who never experienced chronic GVHD (n=29) (NCT00637689 and NCT01902576). Candidate biomarkers included matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), MMP-3, and chitinase-3-like-1 glycoprotein (YKL-40). MMP-9 concentrations were higher in the patients with BOS compared with those with non-BOS chronic GVHD (P=.04) or no chronic GVHD (P < .001). MMP-3 concentrations were higher in patients with BOS (P < .001) or non-BOS chronic GVHD (P < .001) compared with those with no chronic GVHD. YKL-40 concentrations did not differ statistically among the 3 groups. MMP-9 concentrations before starting FAM therapy were higher in patients who experienced treatment failure within 6 months compared with those with treatment success (P=.006), whereas MMP-3 or YKL-40 concentrations did not differ statistically between these 2 groups. Patients with an MMP-9 concentration ≥200,000 pg/mL before starting FAM therapy had worse overall survival compared with those with lower MMP-9 concentrations. Our data suggest that plasma MMP-9 concentration could serve as a relevant biomarker at diagnosis of BOS after allogeneic HCT for prognostication of survival and for prediction of treatment response. Further validation is needed to confirm our findings.

Evaluation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 plasma levels in untreated new Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients and their first-degree family.

Matrix metalloproteinase, especially Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has vital roles in the disruption of blood barrier, neuroinflammation and pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.The goal of this study is to estimate the plasma levels of MMP-9 in the first-degree family of MS patients.35 untreated patients with definite RRMS (Relapsing-Remitting Multiple sclerosis) according to the McDonald criteria, 24 healthy controls (HC) and 26 high-risk families of untreated RRMS patients were enrolled in the study. Plasma levels of MMP-9 were analyzed by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).Although the plasma protein levels of MMP-9 were elevated significantly in the untreated RRMS group (P < 0.05, P = 0.0203) as compared to the control group, but the family of MS patients was not significance (P = 0.208). The mean plasma MMP-9 concentration for HC, untreated RRMS and high-risk group was 322.268pg/ml, 611.926pg/ml and 518.939pg/ml respectively.MMP-9 was used to understand the role of this biomarker in the pathogenesis of MS in the high-risk group. It found that plasma levels of MMP-9 in the new cases of MS were increased considerably. Confirming the importance of MMP-9 as a predictive marker in the high-risk group will be needed more researches.

Increased immune activation and signs of neuronal injury in HIV-negative people on preexposure prophylaxis.

Persistent immune activation in the central nervous system and systemically are common in people living with HIV (PLHIV) despite antiretroviral therapy. It is not known whether this is generated by HIV replication or by other components such as coinfections and lifestyle-related factors. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of different factors; it is crucial to find well matched HIV-negative controls. In this context, HIV-negative persons on preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may constitute a suitable control group to PLHIV with similar lifestyle-related factors. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood were collected from 40 HIV-negative persons on PrEP and 20 controls without PrEP. Biomarkers of immune activation, blood--brain barrier (BBB) integrity and neuronal injury were analysed. CSF and serum β2-microglobulin, serum neopterin and CSF neurofilament light protein were higher in persons on PrEP compared with controls. Furthermore, persons on PrEP had higher CSF/plasma albumin ratio, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 concentrations, indicating BBB dysfunction. Of persons on PrEP, 90% were cytomegalovirus (CMV)-positive compared to 65% of the controls. CMV-positive individuals as a group had higher levels of serum β2-microglobulin than CMV-negative individuals (P < 0.05). Drug users had higher serum β2-microglobulin compared to nonusers (P < 0.01). HIV-negative persons on PrEP had higher levels of biomarkers for immune activation, BBB impairment and neuronal injury, compared with volunteers without PrEP. Moreover, serum β2-microglobulin was higher in CMV-positive than in CMV-negative individuals and in drug users compared with nonusers. These findings are important to consider when analysing immune activation and CNS injury in PLHIV, and emphasize the importance of appropriate controls.

Serum MMP-3 and its association with central arterial stiffness among young adults is moderated by smoking and BMI.

Central arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. It is characterized by a marked reduction in the elastin‐collagen ratio of the arterial wall extracellular matrix (ECM), and is largely the result of degradation of various ECM components. Matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP‐3) may contribute to central arterial stiffness via its involvement in ECM homeostasis and remodeling. This study examined the association between serum MMP‐3 concentrations and central arterial stiffness and potential interactions of MMP‐3 and traditional cardiovascular risk factors in a population of healthy young adults. A total of 206 participants (n = 109 females) aged 19–25 years were included in the current study. Central arterial stiffness was measured non‐invasively as carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) (m/s). MMP‐3 concentrations (ng/ml) were measured using ELISA techniques. Regression analyses were used to examine the association between cfPWV and MMP‐3, adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), instantaneous mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate, and serum C‐reactive protein. Interactions between MMP‐3 with smoking, BMI, sex, and MAP were analyzed in subsequent regression models. MMP‐3 was an independent predictor of cfPWV (β = 0.187, p = 0.007), and significant interactions between MMP‐3 and regular smoking (β = 0.291, p = 0.022), and MMP‐3 and BMI (β = 0.210, p = 0.013) were observed. Higher serum MMP‐3 concentrations were associated with a faster cfPWV and thus, greater central arterial stiffness. Interactions between MMP‐3 and smoking, and MMP‐3 and BMI may, in part, drive the association between MMP‐3 and central arterial stiffness.

Matrix metalloproteinases in children with uncomplicated compression fractures of the spine

The aim of the study was to determine changes in the content of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their tissue inhibitor in children with uncomplicated compression fractures of the spine (UCFS). Materials and methods. Eighty-five children, including 69 patients with UCFS (average age 12.3 ± 2.6 years), were comprehensively examined. The reference group consisted of 16 children (average age 11.8 ± 2.7 years) without spinal pathology. During the diagnostic period for 1-3 days, changes in the MMP content and their tissue inhibitor (TIMP-1) in blood serum were determined by the enzyme immunoassay method in all children after trauma. Results. It was found that in the acute period after spinal injury, the blood levels of gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), stromelysin (MMP-3), and collagenases (MMP-8) significantly increased compared to their levels in children of the reference group. At the same time, the levels of TIMP-1 and the ratio of MMP/TIMP-1 concentrations in the blood of patients with UCFS significantly decreased compared to the control, which indicates the predominance of the proteolytic effect of MMP. Analysis of changes in the content of MMP in the blood in UCFS boys and girls did not reveal significant differences in the levels of the studied MMP and TIMP-1, except for a significant increase in the concentrations of stromelysin (MMP-3) in the blood serum of boys compared with its level in girls and the control. With different severity of the course of UCFS in children, a significant increase in MMP concentrations associated with an increase in the severity of the injury was revealed, and a substantial decrease in the content of TIMP-1 in the blood of patients compared to its levels in children with 1-2 degrees of severity and control. Conclusion. The established patterns indicate that the determination of the content of MMR and TIMP-1 in the blood in UCFS children allows monitoring the course of the reparative process after injury to the vertebral bodies in children.

Causal associations of serum matrix metalloproteinase-8 level with ischaemic stroke and ischaemic stroke subtypes: a Mendelian randomization study.

Elevated serum matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) concentrations are associated with high risk of vascular disease, but the causality remains unclear. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed to examine the causal effect of serum MMP-8 concentrations on the risk of ischaemic stroke, ischaemic stroke subtypes and coronary artery disease. Ten independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms related to serum MMP-8 concentrations were identified as instrumental variables from a genome-wide association study of 6049 European subjects. Genetic association estimates for ischaemic stroke were obtained from the Multiancestry Genome-wide Association Study of Stroke consortium with 446,696 European individuals. The inverse-variance weighted method was applied to assess the causal associations of serum MMP-8 with ischaemic stroke and its subtypes in the main analysis. No significant causal association was observed for MMP-8 levels with total ischaemic stroke, large artery stroke or cardioembolic stroke. Genetically determined 1 - unit higher log-transformed serum MMP-8 concentration was associated with an increased risk of small vessel stroke (odds ratio 1.25; 95% confidence interval 1.12-1.39; p<0.001). In secondary analysis, a similar adverse impact was reported for MMP-8 on coronary artery disease (odds ratio 1.05; 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.10; p=0.017). Sensitivity analyses further confirmed the relationship between serum MMP-8 level and small vessel stroke and coronary artery disease. Mendelian randomization Egger regression showed no evidence of pleiotropic bias. High serum MMP-8 concentrations were causally associated with increased risks of small vessel stroke and coronary artery disease. The mechanism underlying the effect of serum MMP-8 on the vascular system requires further investigation.

The Relationship Among Intra-Amniotic Inflammatory Response, The Progression of Inflammation in Chorionic Plate and Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis.

Background: The chorionic plate (CP) has been denigrated by the well-known route of the extraplacental membranes from the decidua parietalis through the chorion to the amnion in the progression of ascending intrauterine infection among preterm births (PTBs). However, considering previous studies reporting the relationship among intra-amniotic inflammatory response (IAIR), the progression of inflammation in extraplacental membranes and early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS), and the anatomic connection between extraplacental membranes and CP, there is a good chance that IAIR would be more likely and severe according to the progression of inflammation in CP, and this progression of inflammation in CP would be associated with a significant increase in EONS in neonates delivered due to either PTL or preterm-PROM. Unfortunately, there is no information about the relationship among IAIR, the progression of inflammation in CP, and EONS among spontaneous PTBs. The objective of the current study is to examine this issue.Method: The study population included 309 singleton pregnant women-delivered preterm neonates with the following conditions: (1) gestational age (GA) at delivery: 20.0~36.9 weeks; (2) spontaneous PTBs: PTL (151 cases) or preterm-PROM (158 cases); (3) available results of placental histologic examination; (4) without congenital anomaly; and (5) delivery within 60 h of amniocentesis. We examined IAIR, and the frequency of intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI) and EONS according to the progression of inflammation in CP [i.e., stage-0, inflammation-free CP; stage-1, inflammation restricted to subchorionic fibrin (SCF); stage-2, inflammation in connective tissue (CT) of CP but without chorionic vasculitis; and stage-3, chorionic vasculitis]. IAIR was determined by amniotic fluid (AF) matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) concentration (ng/ml), and IAI was defined as an elevated AF MMP-8 concentration (≥23 ng/ml). EONS included either suspected or proven EONS.Results: (1) Each stage (stage-0 to stage-3) was present in 69.3% (214/309), 15.9% (49/309), 11.0% (34/309), and 3.9% (12/309) of the study population. (2) AF MMP-8 concentrations continuously elevated according to the progression of inflammation in CP [stage-0 vs. stage-1 vs. stage-2 vs. stage-3; median (ng/ml), range (ng/ml); 6.0 (0.3–4202.7) vs. 153.9 (0.3–6142.6) vs. 464.9 (5.8–3929.0) vs. 1,780.4 (35.1–5019.5); Kruskal–Wallis test, P < 0.001 and Spearman's rank-correlation test, P < 0.000001, r = 0.553]. (3) Moreover, the frequency of IAI and EONS gradually increased with the progression of inflammation in CP [stage-0 vs. stage-1 vs. stage-2 vs. stage-3; IAI, 30.5% (64/210) vs. 70.2% (33/47) vs. 96.7% (29/30) vs. 100% (12/12); EONS, 3.5% (7/200) vs. 25.5% (12/47) vs. 32.3% (10/31) vs. 40.0% (4/10); each for Pearson's chi-square test, P < 0.000001 and linear-by-linear association, P < 0.000001]. (4) Of note, multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a more advanced stage in the progression of inflammation within CP was associated with a higher odds ratio (OR) for EONS [stage-1 vs. stage-2 vs. stage-3; OR, 7.215, 95% confidence-interval (CI) (2.177–23.908) vs. OR, 10.705, 95% CI (2.613–43.849) vs. OR, 27.189, 95% CI (2.557–289.124)] compared with stage-0 even after the adjustment for potential confounding variables.Conclusion: IAIR is more likely and severe according to the progression of inflammation in CP, and this progression of inflammation in CP is an independent risk factor for EONS in spontaneous PTBs. This finding suggests that CP may be another playground for the progression of ascending intrauterine infection in addition to extraplacental membranes, and the progression of inflammation in CP may be used for the prediction of EONS in spontaneous PTBs.

The function of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its tissue inhibitor (TIMP-1) in several clinical conditions: Results and analysis of our survey.

The goal of this research was to evaluate the plasma concentration of MMP-9 and its tissue inhibitor (TIMP-1) in different clinical conditions. It included several groups of subjects: 31 overweight subjects; 91 obese adults divided into two subgroups according to the BMI value (BMI 30-35 Kg/m2 and BMI > 35 Kg/m2); 90 subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS) divided into two subgroups (with and without diabetes mellitus); 100 subjects with preclinical carotid atherosclerosis (PCA) divided according to the number of cardiovascular risk factors and to the insulin resistance degree; 48 subjects with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) divided according to the apnoea/hypopnea index (AHI); 27 subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on conservative management; 31 subjects with CKD on regular haemodialysis treatment. We have found a significant increase of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in overweight subjects, in obese adult and in MS subjects. In obese adults, the behaviour of these two parameters was not influenced by the degree of obesity, while in the group of MS subjects both these parameters were clearly influenced by the presence of diabetes mellitus. In subjects with PCA, we observed an increase of MMP-9 associated with a significant decrease of TIMP-1; the same trend was found by subdividing the entire group in accordance with the number of cardiovascular risk factors and with the insulin resistance degree. In subjects with OSAS, we noted an increase in MMP-9 and TIMP-1; this increase was more evident in subjects with OSAS having AHI > 30. In individuals with CKD on conservative and haemodialysis treatment we have found, at baseline, a marked increase in MMP-9 and a significant decrease of TIMP-1. In dialyzed subjects, after a standard dialysis session was noted, a significant increase in MMP-9 was associated with a further decrease in TIMP-1.

Synovial fluid concentrations of matrix Metalloproteinase-3 and Interluekin-6 following anterior cruciate ligament injury associate with gait biomechanics 6 months following reconstruction

To compare gait biomechanics 6 months following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) between patients with the highest and lowest concentrations of synovial fluid (SF) interleukin-6 (IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), as well as compared to uninjured controls. SF concentrations of IL-6 and MMP-3 were collected 7±4 days post injury in 38 ACL injured patients (55% female, 21±4yrs, 25.3±5.2BMI). ACL injured individuals were stratified into the lowest and highest quartiles based on IL-6 (IL-6Lowest and IL-6Highest) and MMP-3 (MMP-3Lowest and MMP-3Highest) concentrations. Gait biomechanics were collected on the injured limb 6 months post-ACLR and in 38 uninjured controls (50% female, 21±3yrs, 23.8±2.8BMI). Functional analyses of variance were used to compare vertical ground reaction force (vGRF), knee flexion angle (KFA), and internal knee extension moment (KEM) waveforms throughout stance phase of gait to determine the proportions of stance differing between limbs and groups. Compared to uninjured controls, IL-6High and MMP-3High ACL subgroups demonstrated lesser vGRF (largest differences: IL-6, 7.88%BW; MMP-3, 11.05%BW) during early-stance and greater vGRF (largest differences: IL-6, 6.21%BW; MMP-3, 5.85%BW) in mid-stance, lesser KFA (largest differences: IL-6, 3.11°; MMP-3, 3.72°) and lesser KEM (largest differences: IL-6, 0.96%BW•m; MMP-3, 1.07%BW•m) in early-stance, as well as greater KFA in mid-stance (largest differences: IL-6, 1.5°; MMP-3, 2.95°). High SF concentrations of a proinflammatory cytokine and a degradative enzyme early post-ACL injury are associated with aberrant gait biomechanics in the injured limb at 6 months post-ACLR (i.e., lesser vGRF, KFA and KEM) linked to posttraumatic osteoarthritis development.

Impact of disease activity on impaired glucose metabolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

ObjectiveTo explore glucose metabolism in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its association with insulin resistance (IR) risk factors and disease activity indicators, including matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3).MethodsThis single-center study included 127 non-diabetic subjects: 90 RA patients and 37 matched controls. IR-related risk factors, disease activity (DAS28-ESR/CRP), concentrations of inflammation markers, MMP3, glucose, specific insulin, and C-peptide (a marker of β-cell secretion) were determined. Homeostasis Model Assessment was used to establish insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) and sensitivity (HOMA2-%S). Associations of HOMA2 indices with IR-related risk factors, inflammation markers, and RA activity were tested using multiple regression analyses.ResultsRA patients had significantly increased HOMA2-IR index than controls. In the RA group, multivariate analysis revealed DAS28-ESR, DAS28-CRP, tender joint counts, patient’s global assessment, and MMP3 level as significant positive predictors for HOMA2-IR (β = 0.206, P = 0.014; β = 0.192, P = 0.009; β = 0.121, P = 0.005; β = 0.148, P = 0.007; β = 0.075, P = 0.025, respectively), and reciprocal negative for HOMA2-%S index. According to the value of the coefficient of determination (R2), DAS28-ESR ≥ 5.1 has the largest proportion of variation in both HOMA2-IR indices. DAS28-ESR ≥ 5.1 and ESR were independent predictors for increased C-peptide concentration (β = 0.090, P = 0.022; β = 0.133, P = 0.022). Despite comparability regarding all IR-related risk factors, patients with DAS28-ESR ≥ 5.1 had higher HOMA2-IR than controls [1.7 (1.2–2.5) vs. 1.2 (0.8–1.4), P = 0.000]. There was no difference between patients with DAS28-ESR < 5.1 and controls [1.3 (0.9–1.9) vs. 1.2 (0.8–1.4), P = 0.375].ConclusionsRA activity is an independent risk factor for impaired glucose metabolism. DAS28-ESR ≥ 5.1 was the main contributor to this metabolic disturbance, followed by MMP3 concentration, outweighing the impact of classic IR-related risk factors.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Levels are Associated with Brain Lesion and Persistent Venous Occlusion in Patients with Cerebral Venous Thrombosis.

Elucidating mechanisms of brain damage in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) would be instrumental to develop targeted therapies and improve prognosis prediction. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a gelatinase that degrades major components of the basal lamina, has been associated to blood-brain barrier disruption. We aimed to assess, in patients with CVT, the temporal change in serum concentrations of MMP-9 and its association with key imaging and clinical outcomes. Pathophysiology of Venous Infarction-PRediction of InfarctiOn and RecanalIzaTion in CVT (PRIORITy-CVT) was a multicenter prospective cohort study of patients with newly diagnosed CVT. Serial collection of peripheral blood samples performed on day 1, 3, and 8, and standardized magnetic resonance imaging on day 1, 8, and 90. MMP-9 was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 59 patients and 22 healthy controls. Primary outcomes were parenchymal brain lesion, early evolution of brain lesion, early recanalization, and functional outcome on day 90. CVT patients with parenchymal brain lesion had higher baseline concentrations of MMP-9 compared with controls (adjusted p = 0.001). The area under receiver operating characteristic curve value for MMP-9 for predicting brain lesion was 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57-0.85, p = 0.009). Patients with venous recanalization showed early decline of circulating MMP-9 and significantly lower levels on day 8 (p = 0.021). Higher MMP-9 on day 8 was associated with persistent venous occlusion (odds ratio: 1.20 [per 20 ng/mL], 95% CI: 1.02-1.43, p = 0.030). We report a novel relationship among MMP-9, parenchymal brain damage, and early venous recanalization, suggesting that circulating MMP-9 is a dynamic marker of brain tissue damage in patients with CVT.

Effect of omalizumab on bronchoalveolar lavage matrix metalloproteinases in severe allergic asthma

Introduction Airway inflammation in asthma is accompanied by reconstruction of the bronchial wall extracellular matrix that most likely occurs with a contribution of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Recently we have reported that omalizumab may decrease reticular basement membrane (RBM) thickness together with fibronectin deposits in asthmatic airways, although mechanisms involved are unknown. Objective In the present study, we have investigated the impact of omalizumab on MMPs concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) of asthmatic subjects in relation to airway remodeling changes in histology. Patients and methods The study group consisted of 13 severe allergic asthmatics treated with omalizumab for at least 12 months. In each subject, clinical and laboratory parameters, bronchoscopy with BAL, and endobronchial biopsy were evaluated before and after the biologic therapy. RBM thickness, fibronectin, and collagen deposits in bronchial mucosa specimens were analyzed in histology. The investigations also included BAL cytology and BAL concentrations of MMP-2, −3, and −9. Results Omalizumab was related to a decrease in all measured MMPs in BAL (p < 0.001, each), although such declines were not observed in each patient. The depletions were associated with a lower asthma exacerbation rate and better asthma control. Interestingly, patients who showed a decline in at least one MMP (n = 10, 77%) were characterized by a higher decrease in the RBM thickness (–1.61 [–2.02 to −0.6] vs. −0.06 [–0.09 to +3.3], p = 0.03). Likewise, individuals with lower concentrations of MMP-9 after omalizumab (n = 7, 58%) had a greater reduction in the RBM layer as compared to those with steady MMP-9 levels (–1.8 [–2.4 to −1.14] vs. −0.13 [–0.6 to −0.06] μm, p = 0.03). Moreover, the latter group also had unfavorable higher collagen I accumulation after biologic (42 [20 to 55] vs. 0 [–10 to 20]%, respectively, p = 0.03). Higher concentrations of MMPs in BAL at baseline were related to the lower systemic steroid dose and better omalizumab response concerning the decline in RBM thickness. Conclusion Our data suggest that omalizumab therapy is associated with decreased BAL MMPs concentration in the subgroup of asthma patients. The decline was linked with a reduction in the RBM thickness what might play a beneficial role in airway remodeling.

The 1G/1G+1G/2G Genotypes of MMP1 rs1799750 Are Associated with Higher Levels of MMP-1 and Are Both Associated with Lipodystrophy in People Living with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy.

In HIV-infected patients, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated to adipose tissue redistribution known as lipodystrophy (LD). This study aimed at verifying the association between the polymorphism of the MMP1 gene (rs1799750) (1G/2G) and the serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) with LD and its subtypes in people living with HIV on ART. This is a cross-secional study. LD was self-reported. The determination of the MMP1 rs1799750 gene polymorphism was performed by real-time PCR, and the serum concentrations of MMP-1 were quantified by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Of 404 participants, 204 (51%) were diagnosed with LD, of whom 89 (43%) had mixed lipodystrophy (ML), 72 (35%) had lipohypertrophy (LH), and 43 (22%) had lipoatrophy (LA). There was an association between the genotypes 1G/1G+1G/2G and higher serum levels of MMP-1 (p = .025). There was no association of MMP1 (1G/2G) with LD. Other factors associated with LD were current CD4 ≤ 350 [odds ratio (OR) = 4.85, confidence interval (CI) = 1.78-47.99, p = .0033] and serum MMP-1 levels >6.81 (OR = 2.67, CI = 1.21-6.08, p = .0165). Factors associated with ML: current CD4 ≤ 350 (OR = 5.59, CI = 1.69-20.39, p = .006); with LH: number of antiretroviral regimens used: 2 (OR = 2.06, CI = 1.01-4.20, p = .0460) and 3+ (OR = 2.09, CI = 1.00-4.35, p = .0477), and current CD4 ≤ 350 (OR = 2.08, CI = 1.00-4.24, p = .0461); and with LA: current viral load >40 (OR = 2.52, CI = 1.03-5.91, p = .0372) and current use of zidovudine (OR = 2.97, CI = 1.32-6.54, p = .0074). Higher levels of MMP-1 were associated with genotypes 1G/2G+1G/1G and with LD. Other individual risk factors were independently associated with LD, and its subtypes, suggesting that the pathogenesis itself is differently manifested for each type of LD.

Dulaglutide Alleviates LPS-Induced Injury in Cardiomyocytes

Background and purpose: Sepsis is a severe infection-induced disease with multiple organ failure, and sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy is a fatal condition. Inflammatory response and oxidative stress are reported to be involved in the development of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. Dulaglutide is a novel antidiabetic agent that is currently reported to exert an anti-inflammatory effect. The present study aims to explore the potential protective property of dulaglutide on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury on cardiomyocytes. Methods: LPS was used to induce an in vitro injury model on cardiomyocytes. The mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected using MitoSOX red, and reduced glutathione (GSH) was measured to evaluate the status of oxidative stress in H9c2 myocardial cells. The expressions of NADPH oxidase-1 (NOX-1) and inducible nitric oxidesynthase (iNOS) were determined using real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were both used to detect the expressions and concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-17, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in H9c2 myocardial cells, respectively. The production of nitric oxide (NO) was measured using the Griess reagent. The levels of creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were detected using ELISA. Western blot was utilized to determine the expressions of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and p-NF-κB p65 in H9c2 myocardial cells in the nucleus. Results: First, dulaglutide ameliorated LPS-induced oxidative stress by suppressing the production of mitochondrial ROS and elevating the level of reduced GSH, as well as downregulating NOX-1. Second, the LPS-induced cardiomyocyte injury was alleviated by dulaglutide through downregulating CK-MB and cTnI, accompanied by inhibiting iNOS expression and NO production. Lastly, the production of inflammatory factors and upregulation of MMPs induced by LPS were both significantly reversed by dulaglutide through suppressing the TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusions: Dulaglutide alleviated LPS-induced injury in cardiomyocytes by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress.

Prognostic Markers for Chorioamnionitis: IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-8 in Vaginally Obtained Amniotic Fluid.

Background. Earlier chorioamnionitis diagnosis is crucial to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. This study was conducted to evaluate the inlerleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) levels in vaginally obtained amniotic fluid to investigate their prognostic value and to determine the most appropriate cut-off values for the prediction of chorioamnionitis. Methods. This case control study included women who were diagnosed with preterm premature rupture of the membranes before 34 weeks of gestation and were admitted to Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos. Free-leaking amniotic fluid was obtained vaginally with a sterile speculum less than 48h before delivery. Amniotic fluid IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-8 levels were determined by the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Diagnosis of chorioamnionitis was confirmed by histological examination of the placenta and membranes after delivery. Results. The study included 156 women, 65 patients in the histological chorioamnionitis group (Group I) and 91 in a group without diagnosed histological chorioamnionitis (Group II). The median concentrations of IL-6, MMP-8, and TNF-α in amniotic fluid were statistically significantly higher in Group I than in Group II (p-value < 0.001). The area under the curve of TNF-α and MMP-8 were higher than the area under the curve of IL-6 (0.91, 0.89, and 0.81, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found when comparing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of TNF-α and MMP-8. The optimum cut-off values for the prediction of chorioamnionitis were found to be 1389.82 pg/mL for IL-6, 21.17 pg/mL for TNF-α, and 172.53 ng/mL for MMP-8. The sensitivity, specificity, positive prognostic value (PPV), and negative prognostic value (NPV) of the IL-6 cut-off for chorioamnionitis were 88%, 70%, 67%, and 89%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the TNF-α cut-off were 88%, 84%, 79%, and 90%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the MMP-8 cut-off were 80%, 87%, 81%, and 86%, respectively. Conclusions. The vaginally obtained amniotic fluid IL-6, MMP-8, and TNF-α seem to be good predictors for chorioamnionitis of patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes before 34 weeks of gestation. The noninvasive technique of sampling amniotic fluid could be alternative method to invasive amniocentesis.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Point-of-Care Immunoassay after Dacryocystorhinostomy in Patients with Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

ABSTRACT PURPOSE To compare matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) point-of-care immunoassay (InflammaDry) results before and after dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients with nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction. METHODS Thirty-eight eyes of 38 patients who were diagnosed with unilateral NLD obstruction were treated with endoscopic DCR. Treatment response was monitored using InflammaDry test, tear meniscus height was measured by slit-lamp microscopy, and tear meniscus parameters (tear meniscus height, depth, and area) were measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography at baseline and at 1 month after surgery. RESULTS In 38 patients, the positive percentage of MMP-9 in diseased eyes was 100% (38 eyes), much higher than that in healthy fellow eyes (13.2%, 5 of 38 eyes) at baseline (p<0.001, χ 2 test test). MMP-9 levels before and after surgery were significantly different (p<0.001), and MMP-9-positive eyes showed a significant improvement in MMP-9 grade after surgery (p< 0.0001; generalized McNemar test). Furthermore, other clinical parameters (tear meniscus area, tear meniscus height, and tear meniscus depth) showed a general improvement. CONCLUSION The concentration of MMP-9 increased in the tears of patients’ eyes with NLD obstruction compared to the contralateral healthy eyes. These abnormal findings showed a significant improvement after DCR. The improvement of postoperative MMP-9 expression might be because of the improvement of tear retention.

Taurine supplementation reduces myeloperoxidase and matrix-metalloproteinase-9 levels and improves the effects of exercise in cognition and physical fitness in older women.

Immunosenescence contributes to cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration, and those conditions could be attenuated by non-pharmacological anti-inflammatory strategies, such as exercise and supplementation with the amino acid taurine. Since taurine body content decreases with aging, we investigated the effects of supplementation (alone and combined with exercise) on oxidative stress, extracellular matrix degradation, white blood cells, neurotrophins, cognition and physical fitness of elderly women. Forty-eight women (83.58 ± 6.98years) were enrolled into exercise training only (EO: n = 13), taurine supplementation (TS: n = 12), exercise training + taurine supplementation (ETTS: n = 11), and control group (CG: n = 12). All interventions lasted 14weeks. Exercise was applied twice a week, and taurine was given once a day (1.5g). Data collection occurred before and after interventions with the determination of myeloperoxidase (MPO), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) levels, and white blood cell counts (WBC). Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and physical fitness tests were also evaluated. Concentration of MPO and MMP-9 decreased after intervention in TS (p < 0.05). No effect of time or time×group was observed for WBC parameters; however, univariate analysis showed a significant decrease in lymphocytes for TS, while an increase in monocytes occurred in the CG (p < 0.05). MoCA scores decreased over time in the CG (p < 0.05). Improvements in physical fitness occurred in ETTS (better agility and aerobic capacity), mostly likely due to exercise and boosted by taurine supplementation. No changes in BDNF levels were observed (p > 0.05), while NGF concentration were undetectable in almost subjects. Exercise together with taurine supplementation appears to be a valuable strategy to enhance health-related outcomes in older persons.

Effect of gintonin on matrix metalloproteinase-9 concentration in tears during corneal wound healing in rabbits.

It has been shown that gintonin, isolated from Panax ginseng, can promote rapid corneal wound healing. We aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism and investigated whether gintonin affects the concentration of the extracellular matrix remodelling factor matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in tears during rabbit corneal wound healing in vivo. Twelve eyes (six rabbits) were divided equally into three groups. All eyes underwent corneal de-epithelialisation. The control group received Tearin Free sodium hyaluronate 0.1%, the solcoseryl group received solcoseryl-120 concentrate, and the gintonin group received 2.5 mg gintonin in sodium hyaluronate 0.1%. All preparations were administered for 5 days and the concentration of MMP-9 was measured in tears via ELISA on days 0, 1, and 5. MMP-9 concentrations in all groups were increased at day 1 and reduced at day 5. Of note, we found a significant change over the time frame for the gintonin group (P < 0.05) but not for the control or solcoseryl groups (P > 0.05) Moreover, increased MMP-9 levels between days 0 and 1, and their reduction between days 1 and 5, were significant in the gintonin group compared to those in the other groups (P < 0.05); however, and once more, these changes were not significant between the control and solcoseryl groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, gintonin increases the concentration of MMP-9 rapidly within a day of injury, and decreasing it thereafter.

A highly sensitive assay for matrix metalloproteinase 2 via signal amplification strategy of eATRP

In this paper, a peptide-based biosensor was developed for sensitive and selective analysis of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) through a signal amplification strategy of electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (eATRP). Briefly, α-bromophenylacetic acid (BPAA) initiators were connected to the end of the MMP-2 specific peptide, and then ATRP reaction was carried out with ferrocenylmethyl methacrylates (FMMA) monomers under the action of copper activators to obtain the polymers of Fc. The presence of target MMP-2 caused the part of peptides were specifically cleaved, and the electrochemical signal decreased of Fc. As a result, there was a linear relationship between Fc signal change value and MMP-2 concentration at 8 fM to 80 pM range. The MMP-2 detection limit was calculated as low as 0.53 fM, which was much lower than that in the reported literatures. The proposed peptide-based biosensor showed a good performance for the determination of MMP-2 in human serum samples. This highly efficient and simple method would have great potential in the clinical analysis of matrix metalloproteinase.

Local Triamcinolone Treatment Affects Inflammatory Response in Seroma Exudate of Abdominoplasty Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

As the leading complication of abdominoplasty, seroma formation might represent an inflammatory process in response to surgical trauma. This prospective randomized trial investigated whether local administration of the antiinflammatory agent triamcinolone could prevent seroma accumulation. Weekly and cumulative seroma volumes were compared between the study groups A, B, and C over a 4-week follow-up (group A, with drain, without triamcinolone; group B, without drain, without triamcinolone; group C, without drain, with triamcinolone). Aspirated seroma samples were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for selective inflammatory mediators. Triamcinolone significantly reduced cumulative seroma volume (n = 60; mA 845 ± SDA 578 ml, mC 236 ± SDC 381 ml, p = 0.001). The most accentuated suppressive effect of triamcinolone was observed shortly after the treatment (week 1) (mA1 616 ± SDA1 457 ml, mB1 153 ± SDB1 161 ml, mC1 22 ± SDC1 44 ml, pA1/C1 < 0.001, pB1/C1 = 0.014). Local triamcinolone administration resulted in a differential concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9 (week 1) in seroma exudate as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (mIL-6A1 1239 ± SDA1 59 pg/ml, mIL-6C1 848 ± SDC1 80 pg/ml, p < 0.001; mMMP-9A1 2343 ± SDA1 484 pg/ml, mMMP-9C1 376 ± SDC1 120 pg/ml, p = 0.001). Local administration of 80 mg of triamcinolone reduced postabdominoplasty seroma accumulation significantly. Under triamcinolone treatment, suppressed levels of IL-6 and MMP-9 in seroma fluid were observed. Notably, inflammatory marker suppression correlated clinically with a decrease in seroma accumulation. Therapeutic, II.