O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os níveis das metaloproteinases da matriz MMP-9, MMP-3 e MMP-13, e das quimiocinas MCP-1, MIP-1β e RANTES, no fluido gengival de dentes sob força ortodôntica. Foram recrutados 14 pacientes (3 homens e 11 mulheres) que foram submetidos à movimentação ortodôntica dos caninos superiores. Amostras do fluido gengival foram coletadas com tiras de Periopaper em diferentes tempos. O volume do FG foi determinado com o uso do Periotron e os niveis das MMPs e das quimiocinas quantificados usando-se uma multianálise imunoenzimática com microesferas. Os resultados mostraram que existe um aumento significativo no volume do FG na área de pressão em quase todos os tempos analisados, quando comparados às áreas de tensão. Os níveis da MMP-9 foram muito superiores aos das MMP-13 e MMP-3. Na análise da evolução do tempo pode ser observada uma alteração significativa nos níveis da quantidade total de MMP-9, MMP-13 e MMP-3 e na concentração de MMP-13 e MMP-3 durante o período de movimentação dentária no lado de pressão. A elevação dos níveis de expressão destas MMPs 1 hora após a aplicação da força ortodôntica sugere que estas enzimas estejam envolvidas na remodelação periodontal induzida. As quimiocinas MCP-1, MIP-1β e RANTES foram detectadas no sulco gengival em todos os diferentes intervalos de tempo analisados, nas áreas de tensão e de pressão. Porém, diversas amostras estavam abaixo do nível de detecção do ensaio e, os níveis dessas quimiocinas no fluido gengival não parecem ser alterados pelas forças ortodônticas. / The goal of the present study was to evaluate the levels of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-9, MMP-3 and MMP-13 and of the chemokines MCP-1, MIP-1β and RANTES in the gingival crevicular fluid of teeth under orthodontic forces. Fourteen subjects (3 males and 11 females) were enrolled and subjected to orthodontic tooth movement of their maxillary canines. Samples of gingival crevicular fluid were collected from both tension and pressure sides using Periopaper strips at different time points. The volume of GCF was determined using a Periotron and the levels of MMPs and chemokines quantified using a multiplex microbead immunoassay. The results demonstrated that the levels of MMP-9 were higher than the levels of MMP-13 and MMP-3. Statistically significant fluctuations during the orthodontic tooth movement could be detected for the total amount of MMP-9, MMP-13 and MMP-3 and for the concentration of MMP-13 and MMP-3 at the pressure side. The elevation in the levels of these MMPs, 1 hour after the application of the orthodontic force, suggests that these enzymes are involved in the induced periodontal remodeling. The chemokines MCP-1, MIP-1β and RANTES were detected in the GCF in both tension and pressure sides at different time points. However, several samples were below the level of detection of the assay and the levels of theses mediators in GCF did not seem to be altered by the orthodontic forces.

Yes / The dysregulation of Membrane - type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) has been extensively studied in numerous cancer types, and plays key roles in angiogenesis, cancer progression, and metastasis. MT1-MMP is a predictor of poor prognosis in osteosarcoma (OS), yet the molecular mechanisms of disease progression are unclear. This review provides a summary of the literature relating to the gene and protein expression of MT1-MMP (MMP-14) in OS clinical samples, evaluates the expression in cell lines and experimental models, and analyses its potential role in the progression and metastasis of OS. In addition, the therapeutic potential of MT1-MMP as a drug target has been assessed. Due to the biological complexity of MMPs, inhibition has proven to be challenging. However, exploiting the expression and proteolytic capacity of MT1-MMP could open new avenues in the search for novel, safer and selective drugs for use in OS. / This work was supported by the Bone Cancer Research Trust (No. BCRT 6218).

No description available.

Tetracycline molecules including doxycycline (DOX), consist of a group of broad-spectrum antibiotics. In addition, tetracyclines inhibit matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) that contribute to tissue remodeling, inflammation, angiogenesis and are over-expressed in certain pathologies - such as Alzheimer’s disease, metastasis and diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Tetracyclines are hypothesized to inhibit MMPs through the chelation and sequestration of catalytic divalent ions such zinc and calcium. This inhibitory duality may be beneficial in pathologies that are characterized by MMP over-expression and prone to infection, such as DFUs. Compared to oral administration, topical DOX is an attractive route of administration for chronic wound healing as it may minimize the risks: associated antibiotic resistance; is being targeted directly to the wound bed. However, DOX is notoriously unstable in aqueous solution and common topical formulations. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LCMS) were employed to monitor stability using an in vitro MMP assay and an applicable E. coli anti-bacterial assay was assessed to quantify drug activity. 2 % (w/w) topical DOX demonstrated an acceptable stability 30 day when stored at 4 ºC. DOX inhibited MMP9 activity with an IC50 value of 48.27 μM. With respect to anti-bacterial activity, using cultured BL21 E.Coli and quantification of drug activity as an expression of colony forming units (CFUs) successfully reproduced the antimicrobial IC50 of doxycycline as 4.3 µM. Transdermal DOX has the potential to improve standard of care for DFUs, quality of life for the patient and reduce costs to the healthcare system. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / Tetracyclines comprise of a group of broad-spectrum antibiotics; whose primary mechanism of action is inhibition of protein synthesis through binding of the bacterial ribosome. In addition, tetracyclines inhibit matrix metalloprotease (MMPs), zinc-dependent proteases that contribute to tissue remodeling, angiogenesis and are over-expressed in certain pathophysiologies such as diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The antibacterial mechanism of DOX on MMPs is reported and understood, however the inhibition is hypothesized to involve cation chelation. Thus, investigating this interaction is warranted to assist in developing a therapeutic for DFUs. A more logical product would involve direct topical application, such as a stable transdermal formulation of DOX.

Connective tissue remodeling is an important area of study in biomedical engineering with respect to cancer and wound healing. Tissue remodeling components may be involved in the pathogenesis of open-angle glaucoma. Risk factors for open angle glaucoma include increased intraocular pressure (IOP), male gender, and advanced age. In a 1963 study, the hormone relaxin decreased IOP in the human eye through a mechanism that may involve the up-regulation of tissue remodeling matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The effects of age and gender on MMP and protein activity in porcine aqueous humor were determined in this study to identify correlations existing between MMP activity and glaucoma risk factors. Gelatin zymography identified MMPs at 66 kD and approximately 105 kD. The concentration of the 66 kD band compared to human MMP-2 standard was 0.22 ± 0.06 ng/ml for the adult female (AF) samples and 0.28 ± 0.04 ng/ml for the juvenile samples. This difference in concentration was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The concentration of the protease migrating to 66 kD was statistically independent of gender. Casein zymograms identified two non-MMP proteinases at 51 kD and 80 kD. The average total protein concentration for all aqueous humor samples was 2.54 ± 0.89 mg/ml. The mean IgG, transferrin, and albumin concentrations for all aqueous humor samples was 11.4 ± 4.2 mg/ml, 17.11 ± 6.8 mg/ml, and 78.0 ± 26.3 mg/ml respectively. Results from these experiments establish baseline levels of MMP and protein activity, allowing for identification of potential changes caused by relaxin in tissue culture studies. / Master of Science

A variety of neurologic illnesses including peripheral and cranial neuropathies, central vestibular disease, seizures and coma have been associated with hypothyroidism in dogs. Repeated studies have shown that there is loss of blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity in these animals. Current research has also shown the development cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities in neurologically normal hypothyroid dogs; a finding that is related to BBB degradation. This derangement may be secondary to atherosclerosis and vascular accidents. One possible mediator of vasospasm and ischemic brain injury is endothelin-1 (ET-1). Another group of mediators of vascular dysfunction that has been found in CSF of dogs with various other CNS diseases is matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). The purpose of this study was to assay molecular markers that may contribute to disruption in the blood brain barrier in chronically hypothyroid canines. We hypothesized that BBB disruption in hypothyroidism is mediated by ET-1 and MMPs, as evidenced by increased concentrations of these proteins in CSF compared to controls. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) previously collected from 9 control and 9 experimentally induced hypothyroid dogs was used. Administration of I-131 was used to create the experimental model. CSF from time points 0, 6, 12, and 18 months post-induction were evaluated using an ELISA kit for endothelin-1. CSF from each time point was also evaluated using gelatinase zymography to detect MMP-2,9, and 14. The endothelin assay was able to detect ET-1 in CSF as determined by a spike and recovery method. However, ET-1 was undetectable in CSF of control and hypothyroid dogs at all time points. Constitutively expressed MMP-2 was detectable in all dogs at all time points. No other MMPs were detectable in CSF. ET-1 and gelatinase MMP,-9, and -14 are not primary mediators of BBB damage in chronically hypothyroid dogs. They could be involved secondarily and may be better evaluated with different assays or in temporal association with the development of clinical signs of neurologic dysfunction. Additional research is needed to confirm this finding and to evaluate biomarkers of non-vascular components of the BBB. / Master of Science

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2003. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-82).

Diss. Linköping : Linköpings universitet, 2007.

Orientador: Gisele Fabrino Machado / Banca: Mary Marcondes / Banca: Antonio Carlos Alessi / Resumo: A leishmaniose visceral canina, causada pelo protozoário Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi, é uma doença de grande ocorrência principalmente na América Latina. A caracterização das lesões sistêmicas associadas à infecção pelo parasita tem sido amplamente estudada, entretanto, poucos autores elucidam a patogenia na forma nervosa. Com o objetivo de compreender melhor os mecanismos envolvidos na inflamação do sistema nervoso central de cães naturalmente infectados por L. chagasi, amostras de liquor e plexo coróide foram colhidas e submetidas à zimografia para a detecção de metaloproteinases (MMPs). Amostras do plexo coróide e liquor de cães sadios foram avaliadas como controle. Os géis de zimograma foram analisados quanto à presença e atividade proteolítica das metaloproteinases -2 e -9. Formas inativas das proteases foram detectadas no plexo coróide, sendo que o Grupo de animais positivos não diferiu do negativo. No liquor foram encontradas formas ativas e inativas das MMPs-2 e -9 e a atividade proteolítica das mesmas diferiu entre os Grupos positivo e negativo. A MMP-2 teve maior detecção nos animais negativos e a MMP-9 nos positivos. O aumento da MMP- 9 no liquor dos cães doentes representa seu possível envolvimento na patogenia das lesões encefálicas ao ocasionarem o rompimento das barreiras hematoencefálica e/ou hematoliquórica, permitindo a passagem de células e proteínas envolvidas no processo inflamatório / Abstract: Canine visceral leishmaniasis, caused by the protozoan Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi, is a disease with high occurrence in Latin America. The characteristics of the systemic lesions related to the infection have been widely studied, but few studies clarify the disease on a neurological aspect. With the aim of a better understanding of the inflammation mechanisms within the central nervous system of dogs naturally infected by L. chagasi, some samples of cerebrospinal fluid and choroid plexus were collected and submitted to zymography to detect metalloproteinases (MMPs). Samples of choroid plexus and cerebrospinal fluid from healthy dogs were evaluated as control. The zymogram gels were analysed taking into account the presence and the proteolytic activity of metalloproteinase -2 and -9. Inactive forms of the proteases were detected in the choroid plexus, and the group of positive animals did not differ from negative ones. In the cerebrospinal fluid, active and inactive forms of MMP-2 and -9 were found, and their proteolytic activity differed between negative and positive groups. MMP-2 had higher detection in the negative animals and MMP-9 in the positive ones. The increasing of MMP-9 in the cerebrospinal fluid of infected dogs represents its possible involvement in the brain injuries, by causing the disruption of blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier and/or blood-brain-barrier, allowing the passage of cells and proteins involved in inflammation process / Mestre

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2, gelatinase A, type IV collagenase) is a member of a family of zinc-dependent metalloendopeptidases that functions in the degradation of elastin, collagens, and other components of extracellular matrix (ECM). Both secretion and activation of MMP-2 are elevated in human atherosclerotic lesions and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). In this dissertation project, we sought to test the hypothesis that MMP-2 plays a critical role in both atherosclerosis and AAA. We also sought to determine the detailed mechanism. We first examined the atherosclerosis and AngII-induced AAAs development in MMP-2-/- x apolipoprotein (apoE)-/- mice in vivo. It was surprising that MMP-2 deficiency did not reduce the incidence of AngII-induced AAAs or the size of atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice. However, the cellular and ECM content of atherosclerotic plaques were modified in MMP-2-/- x apoE-/- mice as compared to MMP-2+/+ x apoE-/- control mice. To explain the apparent paradox between this result and the hypothesis, we investigated the morphological characteristics of the aortic wall of MMP-2-/- mice. We detected an enhanced MMP-9 level in the aortic wall of MMP-2-/- x apoE-/- mice compared with MMP-2+/+ x apoE-/- mice. Interestingly, we also observed more branching of the elastin fibers in aortic wall of MMP-2-/- mice as compared with aorta of wild type mice. We also examined the behavior of macrophages from MMP-2-/- mice. Reduced adhesion, migration, and expression of integrin beta 3 were detected in MMP-2 deficient macrophages compared with wild type macrophages. Lastly, we examined whether MMP-2 deficiency in bone marrow-derived cells may influence AAAs and atherosclerosis using bone marrow transplantation technique. There was a significant reduction of both atherosclerosis development and AAAs formation in mice that were reconstituted MMP-2-/- bone marrow cells. In conclusion, the findings in this dissertation suggest that MMP-2 might play an important role in atherosclerosis and aneurysm through influencing inflammatory cell infiltration.