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In vitro inhibition of the activation of Pro-matrix Metalloproteinase 1 (Pro-MMP-1) and Pro-matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Pro-MMP-9) by rice and soybean Bowman-Birk inhibitors.

The in vitro inhibitory activity of the rice Bowman-Birk inhibitor (rBBI) or soybean Bowman-Birk inhibitor (sBBI) against trypsin-catalyzed activation of pro-matrix metalloproteinase 1 or 9 (pro-MMP-1 or pro-MMP-9), respectively, was investigated using electrophoresis with silver staining, heparin-enhanced zymography, biotinylated gelatin, Biotrak assay, and fluorescence quenched substrate hydrolysis. rBBI at concentrations of 0.08-0.352 mg/mL dose-dependently inhibited the in vitro activation of 45 microg/mL pro-MMP-1 by trypsin. Heparin-enhanced zymography analysis of pro-MMP-1, trypsin-activated MMP-1, and a mixture of pro-MMP-1-trypsin-rBBI showed clear zones associated with trypsin-activated MMP-1 and the absence of clear zones in lanes containing pro-MMP-1 or a mixture of pro-MMP-1, trypsin, and rBBI. The results of the Biotrak assay also indicated that rBBI dose-dependently suppressed the activation of pro-MMP-1 by trypsin. sBBI dose-dependently inhibited the activation of 100 microg/mL of pro-MMP-9 by trypsin. Biotinylated gelatin assays demonstrated that pro-MMP-9 or pro-MMP-9 in the presence of trypsin and BBI did not hydrolyze gelatin, whereas p-aminophenylmercury acetate (APMA)-activated MMP-9 and trypsin-activated MMP-9 caused significant hydrolysis of gelatin. Quenched fluorescence substrate hydrolysis for total MMP activity showed that pro-MMP-1 or pro-MMP-9 did not hydrolyze the substrate Mca-Pro-Leu-Gly-Leu-Dpa-Ala-Arg-NH2; active MMP-1 or MMP-9 hydrolyzed the substrate, but lower substrate hydrolysis was obtained when pro-MMP-1 or pro-MMP-9 was incubated with trypsin in the presence of increasing concentrations of rBBI. The results are discussed in light of the role of MMP-1 and MMP-9 in the process of angiogenesis and the potential of rBBI or sBBI as a functional food ingredient.

Biotinylation↗

Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 correlates with poor prognostic variables in renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: MMP2 and MMP9 are two gelatinolytic enzymes, which are key regulators of tumor invasion and metastasis. This study aimed to clarify the prognostic significance of MMP2 and MMP9 with particular regard to their transcript levels, enzymatic activities in renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through cDNA array, the differential expression of the MMP superfamily was evaluated in RCC. Various properties of MMP2 and MMP9 were quantified, in 178 patients with RCC, based on the Heidelberg classification. Of these, 145 cases including 16 fresh-frozen cases were available for MMP2 and MMP9 transcript level evaluation. In addition, gelatinolytic activity was assessed by zymography in 16 other fresh-frozen samples from new RCC cases. RESULTS: MMP2, 9, 11, 14, and 16 were upregulated in the conventional RCC in comparison with the chromophobe RCC, whereas MMP1, 11 and 16 were pronounced in papillary RCC. MMP9 transcript levels were strongly associated with the MMP9 enzymatic activity (p=0.001), and therefore, with disease-free survival (p=0.001) and metastasis (p=0.011). Gelatinolytic activity of MMP9 by zymography was strongly associated with MMP9 mRNA expression, which was more intense in 'conventional' RCC than in 'chromophobe' RCC (p=0.001), irrespective of tumor grade or stage. MMP9 was proven to be a significant prognostic predictor by multi-variate survival analysis (p=0.0054). MMP2 enzymatic activity disappeared in spite of its constant transcript expression in RCC. CONCLUSIONS: MMP9 appears to be regulated at the transcript level, whereas MMP2 is regulated at the posttranscriptional level. Poor survival with a high frequency of metastases in 'conventional' RCC is associated with MMP9, which exhibits a high transcriptional level, and a high gelatinolytic activity. As a result, MMP9 may be a candidate of predictors of disease-free survival in RCC.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗

A single nucleotide polymorphism in the matrix metalloproteinase 9 gene (-8202A/G) is associated with thoracic aortic aneurysms and thoracic aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: Matrix metalloproteinase 9 plays an important role in the maintenance of the aortic extracellular matrix. Genetic variations that affect protease expression or activity might contribute to thoracic aortic disease. The purpose of this study was to determine whether 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the matrix metalloproteinase 9 gene are associated with thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissection. METHODS: Genomic DNA was isolated from blood or aortic tissue from 28 patients with degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysms, 60 patients with thoracic aortic dissection, and 111 control patients. The frequency distributions of 3 matrix metalloproteinase 9 single nucleotide polymorphisms (-8202A/G, IVS4+3G/T, and 2003A/G [Q668R]) were determined by using genotyping accomplished with a real-time detection system. Associations between polymorphisms and disease were estimated with odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The frequency of the -8202G allele was significantly higher in patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic dissection (0.52 and 0.56, respectively) than in control subjects (0.36, P < .001). Patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms or dissection were nearly 5 times more likely than control subjects to have the G allele (adjusted odds ratio, 4.87; 95% confidence interval, 2.04-11.64). There were no significant associations between the IVS4+3G/T or 2003A/G polymorphisms and thoracic aortic disease. CONCLUSIONS: The matrix metalloproteinase 9 -8202A/G polymorphism is associated with thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissection. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the functional role of the -8202A/G variant in matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression.

Adolescent↗

Langerhans cells express matrix metalloproteinases 9 and 2 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 in healthy human gingival tissue and in periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: As antigen-presenting cells, Langerhans cells may play an important role in the initiation and maintenance of periodontal disease. This study is the first report that extends our knowledge of the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their endogenous tissue inhibitors by Langerhans cells in healthy and diseased gingival tissues. METHODS: Single and double immunolabeling procedures were carried out using monoclonal antibodies against CD1a, matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2, and analyzed by conventional and confocal microscopes. RESULTS: Langerhans cells expressed matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2 in healthy and diseased gingival tissues. The tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-positive Langerhans cells were mainly observed in the upper epithelial layers. Matrix metalloproteinase 9-positive Langerhans cells were observed especially during periodontitis and in the basal epithelial layer or crossing the basement membrane. CONCLUSION: During periodontal disease, changes in the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors by gingival Langerhans cells could be implicated in the migration of the cells towards the connective tissue.

Cell Movement↗

Cyclooxygenase inhibitors augment the production of pro-matrix metalloproteinase 9 (progelatinase B) in rabbit articular chondrocytes.

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9/gelatinase B) has recently been proposed to participate in the destruction of articular cartilage. Here, we report that interleukin 1 (IL-1) enhances the production of the precursor of MMP-9 in rabbit articular chondrocytes in primary culture, and this IL-1-mediated production of proMMP-9 is greatly augmented by cyclooxygenase inhibitors such as diclofenac and indomethacin, whereas the constitutive production of proMMP-2 (progelatinase A) is not modulated by IL-1 and/or cyclooxygenase inhibitors. Exogenous prostaglandin (PG) E1 and PGE2 suppress the proMMP-9 production in a dose-dependent manner. Similar results are also obtained with cultured rabbit synoviocytes. These results provide the first evidence that PGE down-regulates the production of proMMP-9 in chondrocytes and synoviocytes. Thus, cyclooxygenase inhibitors probably exert undesirable catabolic actions on the maintenance of articular cartilage under inflammatory conditions.

Alprostadil↗

Amniotic fluid concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 during pregnancy and labor.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine whether obstetric factors affect the concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 in the amniotic fluid. STUDY DESIGN: We prospectively collected amniotic fluid samples from 109 women at various stages of pregnancy and labor and determined matrix metalloproteinase 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 concentrations by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent sandwich assay systems. With multiple regression analysis we evaluated relationships between amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase 9 concentration and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 concentration and the following factors: gestational age, presence of labor, cervical dilatation, membrane status, presence of clinical chorioamnionitis, and microbial colonization of the amniotic fluid. RESULTS: The detectable presence of amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase 9 was independently associated with intra-amniotic infection, labor, cervical dilatation, and spontaneous rupture of membranes. Chorioamnionitis and amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase 9 concentrations were correlated with tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 levels. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-amniotic infection, advanced labor, and rupture of membranes before the onset of labor were independently associated with the presence of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in the amniotic fluid. Both pathologic and physiologic processes appear to produce shifts in the balance between degradation and synthesis of the extracellular matrix.

Amniotic Fluid↗

[Down-regulation of metastatic phenotype in human melanoma cells by controlled expression of anti-sense matrix metalloproteinase 9].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) expression and tumor invasion and metastasis as well, and to explore the potential application of controlled expression of target gene in tumor gene therapy. METHODS: One self-contained tetracycline-regulated retroviral vector containing anti-sense cDNA of MMP-9 was constructed and transfected into a metastatic human melanoma cell line WM451 which expressed a high level of MMP-9. Techniques such as growth rate measurment, MTT assay, (3)H-thymidine incorporation, colony forming ability in soft agar, invasion assay in Boyden chamber, as well as zymography and Western blot were applied to analyze the expression of MMPs and behaviors of tumor cells in vitro before and after gene transfection. Tumorigenecity and spontaneous metastasis were tested in nude mice. RESULTS: In the presence of exogenous tetracycline, the transfected antisense MMP-9 did not affect the endogenous level of MMP-9 in WM451 cells, and showed no significant changes in cell behaviors in comparison with that of the vector-transfected control cells. Nevertheless, withdrawal of tetracycline from the medium caused a significant down-regulation of expression and activity of MMP-9. The capacity of cell growth in vitro, colony forming ability in soft agar, invasion through Matrigel all were inhibited remarkably when compared with the controls. Spontaneous metastasis in nude mice was significantly inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: Transfection of anti-sense MMP-9 can down-regulate the invasion and metastasis of melanoma cells both in vitro and in vivo, further clarifying the important role of MMP-9 in tumor progression.

Animals↗

Evaluation of genetic variation and association in the matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) gene in ESRD patients.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases are Zn2+- and Ca2+-dependent endopeptidases secreted by many cells. Expression of the matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) gene is increased in a variety of renal diseases. Several genetic studies have associated MMP9 with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). METHODS: In this study, 2.2 kb of the promoter region and all 13 exons (3.3 kb) of MMP9 genomic DNA were scanned for polymorphisms. Genetic associations between MMP9 polymorphisms and renal disease were evaluated. RESULTS: Eleven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; 4 promoter, 6 coding region, and 1 3' untranslated region [UTR]) were identified in Caucasians and 19 SNPs (11 promoter, 8 coding region, 1 3' UTR) were identified in African Americans. A previously identified highly polymorphic (CA)n repeat in the promoter region of MMP9 also was evaluated. We found 15 alleles in Caucasians and 14 alleles in African Americans. Allele frequencies, genotypes, and 3-marker haplotypes were compared between patient and control populations. Differences were not observed using single-locus analyses. Two haplotypes that included the (CA)n repeat allele in African-American patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DM/ESRD) showed borderline significant differences. Dichotomizing the (CA)n repeat distribution showed that shorter alleles in Caucasian cases were associated with ESRD using an additive disease-predisposing model (P = 0.05). Analysis of the (CA)n repeat in expanded sets of subjects showed strong evidence for an association of shorter alleles with ESRD in Caucasians (P = 0.00012) and suggested a similar trend in African Americans with T2DM/ESRD (P = 0.086) and subjects without T2DM/ESRD (P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: This comprehensive analysis of MMP9 and renal disease suggests a possible role for the (CA)n repeat in renal disease, consistent with previous reports.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

Time-dependent changes in the plasma concentration of matrix metalloproteinase 9 after acute myocardial infarction.

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 are believed to play a pathophysiologic role in acute myocardial infarction (MI). The time course of their plasma concentrations in correlation with the extent of myocardial damage is unclear. In a prospective study, 20 patients with proven acute MI underwent successful reperfusion within 6 h after the onset of symptoms. The patients were divided into two groups according to the size of their MI, i.e. large or moderate MI. Plasma concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 were determined on admission, and after 24 h, 48 h, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. MMP-2 levels remained unchanged over time in both groups. The plasma concentration of MMP-9 was elevated on admission in patients with large MI versus moderate MI (195 +/- 190 versus 78 +/- 63 ng/ml, p < 0.01) as determined by left ventriculography, and returned to baseline (18 +/- 16 ng/ml) by 1 week after MI. TIMP-1 levels rose slowly in patients with large MI and returned to baseline at 6 months. The ratio of MMP-9 to TIMP-1 was significantly increased on admission in both groups and returned to baseline at 48 h. These data suggest that MMP-9 might play a pathophysiologic role during the early phase of acute MI.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 by thrombospondin 1 in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) plays a key role in tumor cell invasion. It was recently reported that plasma levels of MMP-9 in patients with gastric cancer correlate with the tumors' metastatic potential. We previously demonstrated that thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) up-regulates MMP-9 expression by endothelial cells and promotes tumor cell invasion. We hypothesized that TSP-1 plays a role in the up-regulation of MMP-9 in gastric cancer. METHODS: MMP-9, TSP-1, and CSVTCG-specific TSP-1 receptor expression were measured by immunohistochemical staining in 31 consecutive gastric adenocarcinomas from patients who did not undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Additionally, we measured TSP-1, CSVTCG-specific TSP-1 receptor, and MMP-9 expression by Western blotting, zymography, and immunohistochemical staining in AGS gastric adenocarcinoma cells. We also investigated the effect of TSP-1 on MMP-9 expression by AGS cells. RESULTS: TSP-1 localized to the tumor-associated extracellular matrix. CSVTCG-specific TSP-1 receptor and MMP-9 colocalized to tumor cells, fibroblasts, and tumor-associated microvessels. Intense staining for TSP-1, CSVTCG-specific TSP-1 receptor, and MMP-9 correlated with markers of aggressive tumor behavior. AGS gastric adenocarcinoma cells expressed high levels of CSVTCG-specific TSP-1 receptor but not TSP-1. TSP-1 up-regulated MMP-9 expression by AGS cells. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that TSP-1 plays a role in the up-regulation of MMP-9 expression in gastric cancer. Our data also suggest a correlation between expression of TSP-1, CSVTCG-specific TSP-1 receptor, and MMP-9 and the acquisition of an aggressive tumor phenotype.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Tumor epithelial cell matrix metalloproteinase 9 is a target for antimetastatic therapy in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The current paradigm suggests that matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) expressed by stromal cells is a therapeutic target in human colorectal tumors which presumably regulates metastatic disease progression. Conversely, whereas cancer cells within those tumors may induce stromal cells to produce MMP-9 and may be targets for MMP-9 activity, they are not the source of MMP-9 underlying metastasis. METHODS: MMP-9 expression in matched colorectal tumors and normal adjacent mucosa from patients and human colon cancer cell lines was examined by real-time reverse transcription-PCR, laser capture microdissection, immunoelectron microscopy, and immunoblot analysis. The role of colon cancer cell MMP-9 in processes underlying metastasis was explored in vitro by examining degradation of extracellular matrix components by gelatin zymography and formation of locomotory organelles by cell spreading analysis and in vivo by quantifying hematogenous tumor cell seeding of mouse lungs. RESULTS: Primary colorectal tumors overexpress MMP-9 compared with matched normal adjacent mucosa. In contrast to the current paradigm, MMP-9 is expressed equally by cancer and stromal cells within human colon tumors. Cancer cell MMP-9 regulates metastatic behavior in vitro, including degradation of extracellular matrix components and formation of locomotory organelles. Moreover, this MMP-9 critically regulates hematogenous seeding of mouse lungs by human colon cancer cells in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: These observations reveal that MMP-9 produced by human colon cancer, rather than stromal, cells is central to processes underlying metastasis. They underscore the previously unrecognized potential of specifically targeting tumor cell MMP-9 in interventional strategies to reduce mortality from metastatic colorectal cancer.

Adult↗

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 in mucosally invasive gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) facilitates tumor invasion and metastasis via basement membrane degradation. Control of MMP-9 production by cancer-stromal cell interactions in these processes has been observed.METHODS: We measured plasma MMP-9 concentrations, using a one-step sandwich enzyme immunoassay, and also immunohistochemically localized MMP-9 in patients with small gastric cancers limited to the mucosa. The cancers were classified as intraepithelial tumor (Tis) and T1 disease according to the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) classification of the International Union Against Cancer.RESULTS: Patients with T1 disease had a higher positivity rate for and mean value of MMP-9 than patients with Tis disease. In T1 tumors, MMP-9 expression determined immunohistochemically, was greater in cells in cancer stroma than in cells in noncancerous stroma, a situation found in only a few Tis tumors.CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that MMP-9 is related to the initial step of gastric cancer invasion.

Journal Article↗

Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase 9 activation by a specific monoclonal antibody.

Two members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)1 family of enzymes are expressed at elevated levels in highly aggressive human tumor cells and have been implicated in the catalytic functions of extracellular proteolysis. The zymogen forms of these enzymes are designated proMMP-2 and proMMP-9, also known as 72kDa and 92kDa type IV collagenases/gelatinases, respectively. The MMP family of enzymes can be activated in vitro by a number of compounds including the organomercurial 4-aminophenylmercuric acetate (APMA). The natural or in vivo activators of MMP-2 and MMP-9 are at present unknown. A partially purified preparation of MMP-9 was used to immunize mice for the isolation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Three IgG1 mAbs were identified by immunoreactivity with purified MMP-9 and are designated 6-6B, 7-11C, and 8-3H. These mAbs react specifically with MMP-9 by ELISA and Western blot. Additionally, these mAbs react with N-glycanase treated 92kDa protein. These mAbs were tested for their ability to inhibit enzyme activation in a radio-labeled gelatin assay. The 6-6B mAb inhibited the activation of MMP-9, but had no effect on MMP-2. These mAbs are highly specific to human MMP-9 and the 6-6B mAb will be extremely useful for examining the autolytic and catalytic activity of MMP-9 in normal and abnormal biological processes.

Animals↗

Increased matrix-metalloproteinase-2 and matrix-metalloproteinase-9 expression in the brain of dystrophic mdx mouse.

Brain edema and severe alterations of the glial and endothelial cells have recently been demonstrated in the dystrophin-deficient mdx mouse, an experimental model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and an increase in microvessel density in patients affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy has also been shown. In order to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying the angiogenetic processes occurring in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, in this study we analyzed matrix-metalloproteinase-2 and -9 expression in the brain of 20-month-old mdx and control mice by means of immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, immunoblotting and gelatin zymography. Moreover, we studied vascular endothelial growth factor expression by means of Western blot and immunohistochemistry, and by dual immunofluorescence using anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and anti matrix-metalloproteinase-2 and-9 antibodies. Ultrastructural features of the brain choroidal plexuses were evaluated by electron microscopy. Spatial relationships between endothelium and astrocyte processes were studied by confocal laser microscopy, using an anti-CD31 antibody as a marker of endothelial cells, and anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as a marker of glial cells. The results demonstrate that high expression of matrix-metalloproteinase-2 and matrix-metalloproteinase-9 protein content occurs in mdx brain and in choroidal plexuses where, by in situ hybridization, matrix-metalloproteinase-2 and matrix-metalloproteinase-9 mRNA was localized in the epithelial cells. Moreover, matrix-metalloproteinase-2 mRNA was found in both mdx perivascular astrocytes and blood vessels, while matrix-metalloproteinase-9 mRNA was localized in mdx vessels. Through zymography, increased expression of matrix-metalloproteinase-2 and matrix-metalloproteinase-9 was found in mdx brain compared with the controls. These enhanced matrix-metalloproteinase levels in mdx mice were found to be associated with increased vascular endothelial growth factor expression, as determined by immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry and with ultrastructural alterations of the mdx choroidal epithelial cells and brain vessels, as previously reported [Nico B, Frigeri A, Nicchia GP, Corsi P, Ribatti D, Quondamatteo F, Herken R, Girolamo F, Marzullo A, Svelto M, Roncali L (2003) Severe alterations of endothelial and glial cells in the blood-brain barrier of dystrophic mdx mice. Glia 42:235-251]. Indeed, in the mdx epithelial cells of the plexuses, the apical microvilli were located on the lateral membranes, whereas in the controls they were uniformly distributed over the free ventricular surface. Moreover, by dual immunofluorescence, a colocalization of vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix-metalloproteinase-2 and matrix-metalloproteinase-9 was found in the ependymal and epithelial cells of plexuses in mdx mice and, under confocal laser microscopy, mdx CD-31 positive vessels were enveloped by less GFAP-positive astrocyte processes than the controls. Overall, these data point to a specific pathogenetic role of matrix-metalloproteinase-2 and matrix-metalloproteinase-9 in neurological dysfunctions associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Animals↗

Plasma matrix metalloproteinase 9 as biomarker of prostate cancer progression in Dunning (Copenhagen) rats.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in invasion and metastatic spread of cancer cells. The objective of this study was to assess MMPs in plasma of Dunning tumor rats as indicators of the progression of prostate cancer and follow-up parameters after treatment. METHODS: Prostate cancer was induced in male Copenhagen rats by either subcutaneous or orthotopic implantation of R3327-MatLyLu cells. During the development of the tumor, plasma MMP-2, and MMP-9 were measured by gelatin-substrate zymography and Western blot technique with densitometry in untreated animals, rats treated with laser-induced hyperthermia, or with the new synthetic MMP inhibitor RO 28-2653. RESULTS: Normal prostatic tissue of the Copenhagen rats predominantly expressed proMMP-2 but not proMMP-9 whereas MMP-9 was only found in cancerous tissue. Elevated plasma MMP-9 values were demonstrated in rats with subcutaneous or orthotopic tumors. Animals with tumors and treated with the MMP inhibitor RO 28-2653 had both a lower tumor volume and a lower plasma MMP-9 concentration compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: The determination of plasma MMP-9 in Dunning tumor rats is a useful tool to monitor the progression of prostate cancer and to assess the efficacy of drugs like MMP inhibitors or other treatment protocols.

Animals↗

Role of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in pituitary tumor behavior.

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-containing endopeptidases that are able to degrade the extracellular matrix and allow angiogenesis and tumor invasion. The vast majority of pituitary tumors are benign and do not metastasize to distant sites, although they may invade locally. The aim of this study was to determine whether expression of the collagenase MMP-9 may play a role in allowing angiogenesis and invasion by different pituitary tumor types. Tumor expression of MMP-9 was investigated using a monoclonal antibody on a series of well-characterized paraffin-embedded sections of pituitary tumors. Invasive macroprolactinomas (n = 11) were significantly more likely to express MMP-9 than noninvasive macroprolactinomas (n = 8) (P = 0.003). Invasive macroprolactinomas showed higher-density MMP-9 staining than noninvasive tumors (P < 0.05). MMP-9 expression did not differ between noninvasive tumors and normal pituitary gland, or between different sized prolactinomas. MMP-9 expression was related to aggressive tumor behavior. It was higher in invasive macroprolactinomas (P = 0.003) when compared with noninvasive macroprolactinomas or the normal anterior pituitary gland. In addition, although there was no difference in whether MMP-9 was present or not when nonfunctioning adenomas that recurred were compared with those that did not, samples of recurrent tumor at the second presentation were more likely to express MMP-9 (P = 0.01). Pituitary carcinomas were significantly more likely to be MMP-9 positive compared with normal anterior pituitary gland (P = 0.05), but there was no difference from invasive adenomas. Angiogenesis assessed by vascular density was related to MMP-9 expression (P < 0.05). In summary, we have shown the presence of MMP-9 expression in some invasive and recurrent pituitary adenomas, and in the majority of pituitary carcinoma. The mechanisms whereby MMP-9 expression influences tumor recurrence and invasiveness, and its association with angiogenesis, remains to be elucidated. However, these observations suggest that a future potential therapeutic strategy for some pituitary tumors may be administration of a synthetic MMP-9 inhibitor.

Adenoma↗

The interaction of metal ions and Marimastat with matrix metalloproteinase 9.

The effect of a range of metal ions on the ability of Marimastat to inhibit matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) was examined in a fluorescence based proteolytic assay. Whilst none of the metals examined significantly affected the inhibitory ability of Marimastat, several metal ions did have a significant effect on MMP-9 activity itself. In the absence of Marimastat, Zn(II) and Fe(II) significantly inhibited MMP-9 activity at metal ion concentrations of 10 and 100 microM, respectively. In both the absence and presence of Marimastat, Cd(II) significantly inhibited MMP-9 at 100 microM. In contrast, 1 mM Co(II) significantly upregulated MMP-9 proteolytic activity.

Drug Interactions↗

Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression by a ribozyme blocks metastasis in a rat sarcoma model system.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in tumor progression, but the exact roles that each member of this family may play in contributing to the behavior of malignant tumors are only beginning to be understood. MMP-9 (gelatinase B or the 92-kDa gelatinase/type IV collagenase) expression has been associated with metastasis in a variety of model systems including that of rat sarcomas generated by transformation of rat embryo cells with rasH and myc. To determine the effect that expression of MMP-9 has in this system, we inhibited the expression of MMP-9 using a hammerhead ribozyme. Introduction of an expression vector for a ribozyme directed against the rat MMP-9 mRNA sequence into a metastatic rat embryo cell line transformed by rasH and myc (2.10.10) that constitutively secretes MMP-9 resulted in the absence of detectable MMP-9 mRNA and loss of released 92-kDa gelatinase activity. These cells were no longer metastatic in a lung colonization assay but retained tumorigenicity. Introduction of an expression vector for a control hammerhead ribozyme had no effect. These data document the requirement for MMP-9 expression in metastasis in this system.

Animals↗