Tissue Inhibitor Of Metalloprotease Research Articles

Serum biomarkers in neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy.

Neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy (NEHI) is a form of childhood interstitial lung disease of unknown origin associated with hyperplasia of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNECs). Diagnosis is based on the characteristic clinical picture and typical radiological imaging, and, in some cases, on lung biopsies. To date, no biochemical indicators of the disease have been identified. We aimed to determine biomarkers that could be useful in the management of children diagnosed with NEHI. Patients with NEHI and healthy children were enrolled. Concentrations of serum biomarkers secreted by PNECs (calcitonin gene-related peptide and gastrin-releasing peptide) and biomarkers of the destruction of alveolar capillary membrane (surfactant proteins A and D [SP-A and SP-D]; glycoprotein Krebs von den Lungen-6 [KL-6]; metalloproteinases 7 and 9 [MMP-7 and MMP-9]; tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease 1) were measured. Fifty-two children with NEHI and 23 healthy children were included in the study. The median age of children with NEHI was 3.9 years. There were no differences in serum levels of biomarkers secreted by PNECs between groups. KL-6 levels were significantly higher in children with NEHI than in healthy ones (median 119.6 vs. 92.1 U/mL, p = 0.003); however, concentrations of KL-6 were low in both groups. No significant differences existed between groups for the remaining biomarkers associated with the destruction of the alveolar-capillary membrane. Measurement of serum biomarkers released by PNECs and those associated with the destruction of the alveolar-capillary membrane does not appear to be useful in the management of children with NEHI.

Exercise preconditioning mitigates brain injury after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by restraining TIMP1.

Cerebral ischemic disease is a common cerebrovascular disease, especially ischemic stroke. Exercise has protective functions on brain tissues following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI), but its preventive effects and mechanisms in CIRI remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of exercise preconditioning on CIRI. The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) operation was prepared to establish CIRI rats. All rats were randomized into the MCAO, exercise (exercise preconditioning plus MCAO operation), vector (exercise preconditioning, MCAO operation plus intraventricular injection of empty vector), and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease 1 overexpression (OE-TIMP1, exercise preconditioning, MCAO operation plus intraventricular injection of OE-TIMP1) groups. The results indicated that exercise preconditioning suppressed approximately 66.67% of neurological deficit scores and 73.79% of TIMP1 mRNA expression in MCAO rats, which were partially offset by OE-TIMP1. The protective effects of exercise against neuron death status and cerebral infarction size in MCAO rats were reversed by OE-TIMP1. It also confirmed that exercise weakened apoptosis and oxidative stress damage, with notable increases of B-cell lymphoma-2, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase production, and evident decreases of BCL2-associated X, caspase 3, and malondialdehyde in MCAO rats, while these effects were partially reversed by OE-TIMP1. Additionally, the inhibitory effects of exercise on the protein levels of TIMP1, hypoxia-inducible factor-alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, vascular endothelial growth factor, and neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 in MCAO rats were partially reversed by OE-TIMP1. Altogether, exercise preconditioning had protective effects on CIRI by restraining TIMP1, which provided new therapeutic strategies for preventing CIRI.

Biomarkers in pursuit of precision medicine for acute kidney injury: hard to get rid of customs.

Traditional acute kidney injury (AKI) classifications, which are centered around semi-anatomical lines, can no longer capture the complexity of AKI. By employing strategies to identify predictive and prognostic enrichment targets, experts could gain a deeper comprehension of AKI's pathophysiology, allowing for the development of treatment-specific targets and enhancing individualized care. Subphenotyping, which is enriched with AKI biomarkers, holds insights into distinct risk profiles and tailored treatment strategies that redefine AKI and contribute to improved clinical management. The utilization of biomarkers such as N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-2·insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7, kidney injury molecule-1, and liver fatty acid-binding protein garnered significant attention as a means to predict subclinical AKI. Novel biomarkers offer promise in predicting persistent AKI, with urinary motif chemokine ligand 14 displaying significant sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, they serve as predictive markers for weaning patients from acute dialysis and offer valuable insights into distinct AKI subgroups. The proposed management of AKI, which is encapsulated in a structured flowchart, bridges the gap between research and clinical practice. It streamlines the utilization of biomarkers and subphenotyping, promising a future in which AKI is swiftly identified and managed with unprecedented precision. Incorporating kidney biomarkers into strategies for early AKI detection and the initiation of AKI care bundles has proven to be more effective than using care bundles without these novel biomarkers. This comprehensive approach represents a significant stride toward precision medicine, enabling the identification of high-risk subphenotypes in patients with AKI.

Genome-Wide Association Screens for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears.

The etiopathogenesis of ACL rupture is not clarified. The aim of this study is to identify genomic regions and genetic variants relevant to anterior cruciate ligament injury susceptibility that could be involved in non-contact anterior cruciate ligament ruptures. A systematic review of the literature was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines with a PRISMA checklist and algorithm. A search of PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases was conducted using combinations of the terms "anterior cruciate ligament", "ACL", "rupture", "genetics", "single nucleotide polymorphisms", and "SNP" since the inception of the databases until 2021. Twenty-three studies were included. A total of 7724 patients were analyzed. In total, 3477 patients had ACL ruptures and 4247 patients were controls. Genetic variants in genes encoding for collagens, elastin, fibrillin, matrix metalloproteinases, proteoglycans, angiogenesis-associated signaling cascade proteins, growth differentiation factors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases, interleukins, and fibrinogen were analyzed. Findings regarding the association between genes encoding for collagen (COL3A1, COL1A1, and COL12A1), aggrecan (ACAN), decorin (DCN), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP3), interleukin 6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), biglycan (BGN), fibrinogen (FGB), and ACL injuries were found to be inconclusive. Additional evidence is required in order to establish substantial conclusions regarding the association between genetic variants and ACL rupture.

Maladaptive response following glucose overload in GLUT4-overexpressing H9C2 cardiomyoblasts.

Glucose overload drives diabetic cardiomyopathy by affecting the tricarboxylic acid pathway. However, it is still unknown how cells could overcome massive chronic glucose influx on cellular and structural level. Expression profiles of hyperglycemic, glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) overexpressing H9C2 (KE2) cardiomyoblasts loaded with 30 mM glucose (KE230L) and wild type (WT) cardiomyoblasts loaded with 30 mM glucose (WT30L) were compared using proteomics, real-time polymerase quantitative chain reaction analysis, or Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry. The findings suggest that hyperglycemic insulin-sensitive cells at the onset of diabetic cardiomyopathy present complex changes in levels of structural cell-related proteins like tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases-1 (1.3 fold), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (1.8 fold), type-IV-collagen (3.2 fold), chaperones (Glucose-Regulated Protein 78: 1.8 fold), autophagy (Autophagosome Proteins LC3A, LC3B: 1.3 fold), and in unfolded protein response (UPR; activating transcription factor 6α expression: 2.3 fold and processing: 2.4 fold). Increased f-actin levels were detectable with glucose overload by immnocytochemistry. Effects on energy balance (1.6 fold), sirtuin expression profile (Sirtuin 1: 0.7 fold, sirtuin 3: 1.9 fold, and sirtuin 6: 4.2 fold), and antioxidant enzymes (Catalase: 0.8 fold and Superoxide dismutase 2: 1.5 fold) were detected. In conclusion, these findings implicate induction of chronic cell distress by sustained glucose accumulation with a non-compensatory repair reaction not preventing final cell death. This might explain the chronic long lasting pathogenesis observed in developing heart failure in diabetes mellitus.

Biomarkers vs Machines: The Race to Predict Acute Kidney Injury.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication affecting up to 15% of hospitalized patients. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent irreversible kidney damage that could otherwise lead to significant morbidity and mortality. However, AKI is a clinically silent syndrome, and current detection primarily relies on measuring a rise in serum creatinine, an imperfect marker that can be slow to react to developing AKI. Over the past decade, new innovations have emerged in the form of biomarkers and artificial intelligence tools to aid in the early diagnosis and prediction of imminent AKI. This review summarizes and critically evaluates the latest developments in AKI detection and prediction by emerging biomarkers and artificial intelligence. Main guidelines and studies discussed herein include those evaluating clinical utilitiy of alternate filtration markers such as cystatin C and structural injury markers such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease 2 with insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 and machine learning algorithms for the detection and prediction of AKI in adult and pediatric populations. Recommendations for clinical practices considering the adoption of these new tools are also provided. The race to detect AKI is heating up. Regulatory approval of select biomarkers for clinical use and the emergence of machine learning algorithms that can predict imminent AKI with high accuracy are all promising developments. But the race is far from being won. Future research focusing on clinical outcome studies that demonstrate the utility and validity of implementing these new tools into clinical practice is needed.

ADAMTS-7 Modulates Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation by Degradation of TIMP-1.

The ADAMTS7 locus was genome-wide significantly associated with coronary artery disease. Lack of the ECM (extracellular matrix) protease ADAMTS-7 (A disintegrin and metalloproteinase-7) was shown to reduce atherosclerotic plaque formation. Here, we sought to identify molecular mechanisms and downstream targets of ADAMTS-7 mediating the risk of atherosclerosis. Targets of ADAMTS-7 were identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry of atherosclerotic plaques from Apoe-/- and Apoe-/-Adamts7-/- mice. ECM proteins were identified using solubility profiling. Putative targets were validated using immunofluorescence, in vitro degradation assays, coimmunoprecipitation, and Förster resonance energy transfer-based protein-protein interaction assays. ADAMTS7 expression was measured in fibrous caps of human carotid artery plaques. In humans, ADAMTS7 expression was higher in caps of unstable as compared to stable carotid plaques. Compared to Apoe-/- mice, atherosclerotic aortas of Apoe-/- mice lacking Adamts-7 (Apoe-/-Adamts7-/-) contained higher protein levels of Timp-1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-1). In coimmunoprecipitation experiments, the catalytic domain of ADAMTS-7 bound to TIMP-1, which was degraded in the presence of ADAMTS-7 in vitro. ADAMTS-7 reduced the inhibitory capacity of TIMP-1 at its canonical target MMP-9 (matrix metalloprotease-9). As a downstream mechanism, we investigated collagen content in plaques of Apoe-/- and Apoe-/-Adamts7-/- mice after a Western diet. Picrosirius red staining of the aortic root revealed less collagen as a readout of higher MMP-9 activity in Apoe-/- as compared to Apoe-/- Adamts7-/- mice. To facilitate high-throughput screening for ADAMTS-7 inhibitors with the aim of decreasing TIMP-1 degradation, we designed a Förster resonance energy transfer-based assay targeting the ADAMTS-7 catalytic site. ADAMTS-7, which is induced in unstable atherosclerotic plaques, decreases TIMP-1 stability reducing its inhibitory effect on MMP-9, which is known to promote collagen degradation and is likewise associated with coronary artery disease. Disrupting the interaction of ADAMTS-7 and TIMP-1 might be a strategy to increase collagen content and plaque stability for the reduction of atherosclerosis-related events.

Inhibition of discoidin domain receptor (DDR)-1 with nilotinib alters CSF miRNAs and is associated with reduced inflammation and vascular fibrosis in Alzheimer’s disease

Discoidin Domain Receptor (DDR)-1 is activated by collagen. Nilotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is FDA-approved for leukemia and potently inhibits DDR-1. Individuals diagnosed with mild–moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treated with nilotinib (versus placebo) for 12 months showed reduction of amyloid plaque and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid, and attenuation of hippocampal volume loss. However, the mechanisms are unclear. Here, we explored unbiased next generation whole genome miRNA sequencing from AD patients CSF and miRNAs were matched with their corresponding mRNAs using gene ontology. Changes in CSF miRNAs were confirmed via measurement of CSF DDR1 activity and plasma levels of AD biomarkers. Approximately 1050 miRNAs are detected in the CSF but only 17 miRNAs are specifically altered between baseline and 12-month treatment with nilotinib versus placebo. Treatment with nilotinib significantly reduces collagen and DDR1 gene expression (upregulated in AD brain), in association with inhibition of CSF DDR1. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukins and chemokines are reduced along with caspase-3 gene expression. Specific genes that indicate vascular fibrosis, e.g., collagen, Transforming Growth Factors (TGFs) and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteases (TIMPs) are altered by DDR1 inhibition with nilotinib. Specific changes in vesicular transport, including the neurotransmitters dopamine and acetylcholine, and autophagy genes, including ATGs, indicate facilitation of autophagic flux and cellular trafficking. Inhibition of DDR1 with nilotinib may be a safe and effective adjunct treatment strategy involving an oral drug that enters the CNS and adequately engages its target. DDR1 inhibition with nilotinib exhibits multi-modal effects not only on amyloid and tau clearance but also on anti-inflammatory markers that may reduce cerebrovascular fibrosis.

Metalloprotease domain latency protects ADAMTS13 against broad-spectrum inhibitors of metalloproteases while maintaining activity toward VWF

BackgroundADAMTS13 is a circulating metalloprotease that cleaves von Willebrand factor (VWF) in a shear-dependent manner. ADAMTS13 is secreted as an active protease but has a long half-life, suggesting that it is resistant to circulating protease inhibitors. These zymogen-like properties indicate that ADAMTS13 exists as a latent protease that is activated by its substrate. ObjectivesTo investigate the mechanism of ADAMTS13 latency and resistance to metalloprotease inhibitors. MethodsProbe the active site of ADAMTS13 and variants using alpha-2 macroglobulin (A2M), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs), and Marimastat. ResultsADAMTS13 and C-terminal deletion mutants are not inhibited by A2M, TIMPs, or Marimastat, but cleave FRETS-VWF73, suggesting that the metalloprotease domain is latent in the absence of substrate. Within the metalloprotease domain, mutating the gatekeeper triad (R193, D217, D252) or substituting the calcium-binding (R180-R193) or the variable (G236-S263) loops with corresponding features from ADAMTS5 did not sensitize MDTCS to inhibition. However, substituting the calcium-binding loop and an extended variable loop (G236-S263) corresponding to the S1–S1′ pockets with those from ADAMTS5, resulted in MDTCS-GVC5 inhibition by Marimastat, but not by A2M or TIMP3. Substituting the MD domains of ADAMTS5 into full-length ADAMTS13 resulted in a 50-fold reduction in activity compared with the substitution into MDTCS. However, both chimeras were susceptible to inhibition, suggesting that the closed conformation does not contribute to the latency of the metalloprotease domain. ConclusionThe metalloprotease domain protects ADAMTS13 from inhibitors and exists in a latent state that is partially maintained by loops flanking the S1 and S1′ specificity pockets.

Bioactive Decellularized Tendon-Derived Stem Cell Sheet for Promoting Graft Healing After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: Stem cell sheets provide a scaffold-free option for the promotion of graft healing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, cell viability, stability, and potential uncontrolled actions create challenges for clinical translation. The decellularization of cell sheets may overcome these problems as studies have shown that the natural extracellular matrix of stem cells is bioactive and can promote tissue repair. Hypothesis: The decellularized tendon-derived stem cell (dTDSC) sheet can promote graft healing after ACLR. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: An optimized decellularization protocol was developed to decellularize the TDSC sheets. A total of 64 Sprague-Dawley rats underwent ACLR with or without the dTDSC sheet wrapping the tendon graft (n = 32/group). At 2 and 6 weeks after surgery, graft healing was assessed by micro–computed tomography, histology, and biomechanical testing. The accumulation of iNOS+ and CD206+ cells and the expression of metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), MMP-13, and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease 1 (TIMP-1) were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results: The decellularization was successful, with the removal of 98.4% nucleic acid while preserving the collagenous proteins and bioactive factors. The expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and VEGF in the dTDSC sheet was comparable with the TDSC sheet (P > .05). Micro–computed tomography showed significantly more tunnel bone formation in the dTDSC sheet group. The dTDSC sheet group demonstrated better graft osteointegration and higher integrity of graft midsubstance with significantly higher ultimate failure load (16.58 ± 7.24 vs 8.93 ± 2.45 N; P = .002) and stiffness (11.97 ± 5.21 vs 6.73 ± 2.20 N/mm; P = .027). Significantly fewer iNOS+ cells but more CD206+ cells, as well as lower MMP-1 and MMP-13 but higher TIMP-1 expression, were detected at the tendon-bone interface and graft midsubstance in the dTDSC sheet group. Conclusion: An optimized decellularization protocol for producing bioactive dTDSC sheets was developed. Wrapping tendon graft with a dTDSC sheet promoted graft healing after ACLR, likely via enhancing bone formation and angiogenesis by BMP-2 and VEGF, modulating macrophage polarization and MMP/TIMP expression, and physically protecting the tendon graft. Clinical Relevance: dTDSC sheets alleviate the quality control and safety concerns of cell transplantation and can be used as a cell-free alternative for the promotion of graft healing in ACLR.

Reelin Signaling Pathway and Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: A Causative Link.

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is the most frequent form of partial epilepsy. Granule cell dispersion, resulting from aberrant neuronal migration in the hippocampus, is pathognomonic of MTLE. Reelin, a secreted neurodevelopmental glycoprotein has a crucial role in controlling the radial migration of neurons. Several animal studies have implicated Reelin in the MTLE pathogenesis Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is the most frequent form of partial epilepsy. Granule cell dispersion, resulting from aberrant neuronal migration in the hippocampus, is pathognomonic of MTLE. Reelin, a secreted neurodevelopmental glycoprotein has a crucial role in controlling the radial migration of neurons. Several animal studies have implicated Reelin in the MTLE pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the Reelin signalling pathway in the MTLE patients. Therefore, we studied each step in the Reelin signalling pathway for the gene and protein expressions, in the hippocampal tissue obtained from patients undergoing surgery for MTLE and compared it with age matched normal autopsy cases. We found statistically significant decrease (P<0.001) in the Reelin mRNA expression in MTLE patients. Among the two reelin receptors, apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2) was significantly increased whereas very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) was decreased among the patients. Disabled 1 (Dab1), the downstream target of reelin, was found to be decreased. Dab1 in turn inhibits Cofilin, which is responsible for cytoskeletal reorganization, thus limiting aberrant neuronal migration. Statistically significant over expression of Cofilin protein was found in the patient group. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases-1 (TIMP-1), both of which are involved in processing of Reelin, were down regulated in 70-85% of cases. The whole pathway was found to be deranged in MTLE. These results indicate that Reelin signalling pathway is disturbed at various points in the MTLE patients and might be involved in the pathogenesis & progression of MTLE. Our results extend the existing information regarding the components of the Reelin pathway and further, establish a link between pathway disturbance and MTLE.

Comparing TIMP-1 and Hsp70 in Blood and Saliva as Potential Prognostic Markers in HNSCC.

(1) Background: Currently, there is no clinically used liquid biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. One reason could be the limited shedding of tumor material in early disease stages. Molecular diagnostics assessing both blood and especially saliva could potentially improve the accuracy of biomarkers. In this prospective study, two markers, tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-1 (TIMP-1) and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), were analyzed in HNSCC patients. The purpose of the study was to evaluate differences between saliva and serum as sample material. Further, their prognostic and predictive value and usefulness for early detection was assessed. (2) Methods: A total of 73 HNSCC patients were prospectively monitored by collecting blood and saliva before, during, and after therapy, as well as in the follow-up period between 2018 and 2021. In total, 212 serum and 194 saliva samples were collected. A control group consisting of 40 subjects (15 patients with local infections in the head and neck area and 25 without infections) were examined as well. The collected samples were evaluated for the two proteins by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). (3) RESULTS: The TIMP-1 concentration correlated significantly in blood and saliva, whereas the Hsp70 concentration did not. Saliva TIMP-1 was significantly higher in tumor patients compared to the control group (p = 0.013). High pretreatment TIMP-1 saliva levels were associated with significantly poorer disease-free survival (DFS) (p = 0.02). A high saliva TIMP-1/Hsp70 ratio was significantly associated with poorer DFS (HR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.04-1.88; p = 0.026) and a high TIMP-1 serum concentration was significantly associated with poorer PFS (HR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.8; p = 0.003) and poorer overall survival (OS) (HR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.4, 5.9; p = 0.003) in the Cox proportional hazards model. The saliva TIMP-1 to Hsp70 ratio was significantly higher at the time of recurrence (p = 0.015). Conclusion: TIMP-1 in serum is a promising prognostic marker for HNSCC. Saliva TIMP-1 and the saliva TIMP-1 to Hsp70 ratio provides additional information on the disease-free survival.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammation and Antiaging Activities of Artocarpus altilis Methanolic Extract on Urban Particulate Matter-Induced HaCaT Keratinocytes Damage.

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the reasons that exacerbate skin diseases. Impaired barrier function is a common symptom in skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Herbal extracts rich in antioxidants are thought to provide excellent pharmacological activities; however, the anti-pollution activity of Artocarpus altilis extract (AAM) has not been investigated yet. The present study demonstrated that 5 μg/mL of AAM was considered to be a safe dose for further experiments without cytotoxicity. Next, we evaluated the anti-pollution activity of AAM through the PM-induced keratinocytes damage cell model. The results showed that AAM could reduce PM-induced overproduction of intracellular ROS and the final product of lipid peroxidation, 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE). In addition, AAM not only reduced the inflammatory protein expressions, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), but also balanced the aging protein ratio of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs) through downregulating the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. For skin barrier protection, AAM could repair PM-induced barrier function proteins damage, including filaggrin, loricrin and aquaporin 3 for providing anti-aging bioactivity. In conclusion, AAM has the potential to be developed as an anti-pollution active ingredient for topical skin products to prevent skin oxidation, inflammation and aging, and restore the skin barrier function.

How to place the duality of specific MMP-9 inhibition for treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases into clinical opportunities?

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) with the involvement of immune cells and molecules, including cytokines, chemokines and proteases. A previous extensive review about the molecular biology of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs), related to intestinal barrier destruction and restoration functions in IBD, is here complemented with the literature from the last five years. We also compare IBD as a prototypic mucosal inflammation of an epithelial barrier against microorganisms with inflammatory retinopathy as a disease with a barrier dysfunction at the level of blood vessels. Multiple reasons are at the basis of halting clinical trials with monoclonal antibodies against MMP-9 for IBD treatment. These include (i) the absence of a causative role of MMP-9 in the pathology in animal models of IBD, (ii) the fact that endotoxins, crossing the intestinal barrier, induce massive local release of both neutrophil collagenase (MMP-8) and gelatinase B (MMP-9), (iii) insufficient recognition that MMPs modify the activities of cytokines, chemokines and their receptors, (iv) ignorance that MMPs exist as mixtures of proteoforms with different posttranslational modifications and with different specific activities and (v) the fact that MMPs and TIMPs act in an interactive network, possibly having also beneficial effects on IBD evolution. Nevertheless, inhibition of MMPs may be a useful therapeutic approach during specific IBD disease phases or in specific sub-phenotypes. This temporary “window of opportunity” for MMP-9 inhibition may be complemented by a locoregional one, provided that the pharmacological agents are targeted in time to affected tissues, as is achieved in ophthalmological inflammation. Thus, in order to discover spatial and temporal windows of opportunity for MMP inhibition as treatment of IBD, more preclinical work including well controlled animal studies will be further needed. In this respect, MMP-9/NGAL complex analysis in various body compartments is helpful for better stratification of IBD patients who may benefit from anti-MMP-9.

The Repertoire of Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteases: Evolution, Regulation of Extracellular Matrix Proteolysis, Engineering and Therapeutic Challenges.

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs) belong to a fascinating protein family expressed in all Metazoa. They act as regulators of the turnover of the extracellular matrix, and they are consistently involved in essential processes. Herein, we recapitulate the main activities of mammalian TIMPs (TIMP1–4) in the control of extracellular-matrix degradation and pathologies associated with aberrant proteostasis. We delineate the activity of TIMPs in the control of extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis and discuss the diversity of TIMPs across metazoans taking into account the emergence of the components of the ECM during evolution. Thus, the TIMP repertoire herein analysed includes the homologues from cnidarians, which are coeval with the origins of ECM components; protostomes (molluscs, arthropods and nematodes); and deuterostomes (echinoderms and vertebrates). Several questions, including the maintenance of the structure despite low sequence similarity and the strategies for TIMP engineering, shed light on the possibility to use recombinant TIMPs integrating unique features and binding selectivity for therapeutic applications in the treatment of inflammatory pathologies.

Abstract 3843: TIMP1 and TIMP2 re-educate TGFβ induced pro-inflammatory/pro angiogenic decidual-like NK cells phenotype

Abstract Background: Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs) have been reported to exert dual roles in cancer, based on the different cancer type and interactions with the tumor microenvironments. As inhibitors of Matrix metalloproteases (MMP) they downregulate invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. However, TIMP1 levels have been found increased in patients with different types of cancer. Natural Killer cells have been found to be phenotypically and functionally compromised in several solid and hematological cancers. We were the first in characterizing NK pro-angiogenic phenotype in the peripheral blood and tumor tissues of patients with Non-small Cell Lung cancer, colorectal cancers, prostate of patients. Also, we found that pro-angiogenic NK cells in the peripheral blood of colorectal cancer patients release of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, in a STAT3/STAT5-independent manner. Here, we investigated the effects of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 recombinant proteins, using a TGFβ-mediated NK cell polarization model, in vitro. Methods: We investigated the effects of TIMP1 and TIMP2 recombinant proteins in hindering decidual-like markers in NK cells, generated by polarizing cytolytic NK cells with TGFβ. The effects of TIMP1 or TIMP2 on NK cell surface antigens were determined by multicolor flow cytometry. Results: We found that TIMP1 and TIMP2 were effective in interfering with TGFβ induced NK cell polarization towards a decidual-like-phenotype. TIMP1 and TIMP2 counteracted the effect of TGFβ in increasing the percentage of CD56bright, CD16-, CD9+ and CD49a+, and restoring normal levels for TIMP 1 and 2 also inhibited decrease levels of the activation marker NKG2D induced by TGFβ and decreased the TGFβ upregulated exhaustion marker TIM-3. NK cell degranulation capabilities against K562 cells were also decreased by TGFβ and not by TIMP1 or TIMP2. TIMP1 treatment could partially restore degranulation marker CD107a expression. Conclusions: Our results suggest a potential role of TIMPs in controlling the tumor-associated cytokine TGFβ-induced NK cell polarization. TGFβ stimulation represents a model to prove TIMP's new properties, further studies will help defining TIMPs immunomodulatory activities of NK cells in cancer, and their possible future diagnostic-therapeutic roles. Citation Format: Adriana Albini, Matteo Gallazzi, Maria Teresa Palano, Valentina Carlini, Luana Calabrone, Riccardo Ricotta, William G. Stetler-Stevenson, Douglas M. Noonan. TIMP1 and TIMP2 re-educate TGFβ induced pro-inflammatory/pro angiogenic decidual-like NK cells phenotype [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3843.

Effects of preoperative high-oral protein loading on short- and long-term renal outcomes following cardiac surgery: a cohort study

BackgroundPost-cardiac surgery acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with increased mortality. A high-protein meal enhances the renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and might protect the kidneys from acute ischemic insults. Hence, we assessed the effect of a preoperative high-oral protein load on post-cardiac surgery renal function and used experimental models to elucidate mechanisms by which protein might stimulate kidney-protective effects.MethodsThe prospective “Preoperative Renal Functional Reserve Predicts Risk of AKI after Cardiac Operation” study follow-up was extended to postoperative 12 months for 109 patients. A 1:2 ratio propensity score matching method was used to identify a control group (n = 214) to comparatively evaluate the effects of a preoperative protein load and standard care. The primary endpoints were AKI development and postoperative estimated GFR (eGFR) loss at 3 and 12 months. We also assessed the secretion of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases-2 (TIMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor–binding protein 7 (IGFBP7), biomarkers implicated in mediating kidney-protective mechanisms in human kidney tubular cells that we exposed to varying protein concentrations.ResultsThe AKI rate did not differ between the protein loading and control groups (13.6 vs. 12.3%; p = 0.5). However, the mean eGFR loss was lower in the former after 3 months (0.1 [95% CI − 1.4, − 1.7] vs. − 3.3 [95% CI − 4.4, − 2.2] ml/min/1.73 m2) and 12 months (− 2.7 [95% CI − 4.2, − 1.2] vs − 10.2 [95% CI − 11.3, − 9.1] ml/min/1.73 m2; p < 0.001 for both). On stratification based on AKI development, the eGFR loss after 12 months was also found to be lower in the former (− 8.0 [95% CI − 14.1, − 1.9] vs. − 18.6 [95% CI − 23.3, − 14.0] ml/min/1.73 m2; p = 0.008). A dose–response analysis of the protein treatment of the primary human proximal and distal tubule epithelial cells in culture showed significantly increased IGFBP7 and TIMP-2 expression.ConclusionsA preoperative high-oral protein load did not reduce AKI development but was associated with greater renal function preservation in patients with and without AKI at 12 months post-cardiac surgery. The potential mechanisms of action by which protein loading may induce a kidney-protective response might include cell cycle inhibition of renal tubular epithelial cells.Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03102541 (retrospectively registered on April 5, 2017) and ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03092947 (retrospectively registered on March 28, 2017).

Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteases 3 (TIMP-3): In Vivo Analysis Underpins Its Role as a Master Regulator of Ectodomain Shedding.

The proteolytical cleavage of transmembrane proteins with subsequent release of their extracellular domain, so-called ectodomain shedding, is a post-translational modification that plays an essential role in several biological processes, such as cell communication, adhesion and migration. Metalloproteases are major proteases in ectodomain shedding, especially the disintegrin metalloproteases (ADAMs) and the membrane-type matrix metalloproteases (MT-MMPs), which are considered to be canonical sheddases for their membrane-anchored topology and for the large number of proteins that they can release. The unique ability of TIMP-3 to inhibit different families of metalloproteases, including the canonical sheddases (ADAMs and MT-MMPs), renders it a master regulator of ectodomain shedding. This review provides an overview of the different functions of TIMP-3 in health and disease, with a major focus on the functional consequences in vivo related to its ability to control ectodomain shedding. Furthermore, herein we describe a collection of mass spectrometry-based approaches that have been used in recent years to identify new functions of sheddases and TIMP-3. These methods may be used in the future to elucidate the pathological mechanisms triggered by the Sorsby’s fundus dystrophy variants of TIMP-3 or to identify proteins released by less well characterized TIMP-3 target sheddases whose substrate repertoire is still limited, thus providing novel insights into the physiological and pathological functions of the inhibitor.

TIMP1 and TIMP2 Downregulate TGFβ Induced Decidual-like Phenotype in Natural Killer Cells.

Simple SummaryCancer patients are characterized by NK cells with altered surface markers, such as CD56 brightness, CD9, CD49a (pro-angiogenic) and PD-1, and TIM-3 (exhaustion), that favor immune escape. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) is a major tumor-derived cytokine that favors cancer growth and supports pro-angiogenic activities in NK cells by inducing pro-angiogenic molecules. TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 play a crucial role in extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation, wound healing, pregnancy and cancer, and there is increasing evidence that they are immune-modulatory. We found that recombinant TIMP-1 and -2 can partially contrast the induction of pro-tumor/pro-angiogenic decidual-like polarization of NK cells by TGFβ.Natural Killer (NK) cells have been found to be anergic, exhausted and pro-angiogenic in cancers. NK cell from healthy donors, exposed to TGFβ, acquire the CD56brightCD9+CD49a+ decidual-like-phenotype, together with decreased levels of NKG2D activation marker, increased levels of TIM-3 exhaustion marker, similar to cancer-associated NK cells. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs) exert dual roles in cancer. The role of TIMPs in modulating immune cells is a very novel concept, and the present is the first report studying their ability to contrast TGFβ action on NK cells. Here, we investigated the effects of TIMP1 and TIMP2 recombinant proteins in hindering decidual-like markers in NK cells, generated by polarizing cytolytic NK cells with TGFβ. The effects of TIMP1 or TIMP2 on NK cell surface antigens were determined by multicolor flow cytometry. We found that TIMP1 and TIMP2 were effective in interfering with TGFβ induced NK cell polarization towards a decidual-like-phenotype. TIMP1 and TIMP2 counteracted the effect of TGFβ in increasing the percentage of CD56bright, CD16−, CD9+ and CD49a+, and restoring normal levels for TIMP 1 and 2 also inhibited decrease levels of the activation marker NKG2D induced by TGFβ and decreased the TGFβ upregulated exhaustion marker TIM-3. NK cell degranulation capabilities against K562 cells were also decreased by TGFβ and not by TIMP1 or TIMP2. TIMP1 treatment could partially restore degranulation marker CD107a expression. Treatment with recombinant TIMP-1 or TIMP-2 showed a trend, although not statistically significant, to decrease CD49a+ and TIM-3+ expression and increase NKG2D in peripheral blood NK cells exposed to conditioned media from colon cancer cell lines. Our results suggest a potential role of TIMPs in controlling the tumor-associated cytokine TGFβ-induced NK cell polarization. Given the heterogeneity of released factors within the TME, it is clear that TGFβ stimulation represents a model to prove TIMP’s new properties, but it cannot be envisaged as a soloist NK cell polarizing agent. Therefore, further studies from the scientific community will help defining TIMPs immunomodulatory activities of NK cells in cancer, and their possible future diagnostic–therapeutic roles.

Characteristics of TIMP1, CD63, and β1-Integrin and the Functional Impact of Their Interaction in Cancer.

Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteases 1, also known as TIMP-1, is named for its well-established function of inhibiting the proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteases. Given this function, many studies were carried out to verify if TIMP-1 was able to interrupt processes such as tumor cell invasion and metastasis. In contrast, many studies have shown that TIMP-1 expression is increased in several types of tumors, and this increase was correlated with a poor prognosis and lower survival in cancer patients. Later, it was shown that TIMP-1 is also able to modulate cell behavior through the induction of signaling pathways involved in cell growth, proliferation, and survival. The mechanisms involved in the regulation of the pleiotropic functions of TIMP-1 are still poorly understood. Thus, this review aimed to present literature data that show its ability to form a membrane complex with CD63 and β1-integrin, and point to N-glycosylation as a potential regulatory mechanism of the functions exerted by TIMP-1. This article reviewed the characteristics and functions performed individually by TIMP1, CD63, and β1-integrin, the roles of the TIMP-1/CD63/β1-integrin complex, both in a physiological context and in cancer, and the regulatory mechanisms involved in its assembly.