Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: EC:3.4.24.3 (collagenase)
18,340 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The study was aimed to determine elastase activity, levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in 20 smokers and 20 non-smokers, mean age 47.4 (+/-2.9 SD) years with refractory periodontal diseases. GCF was collected with intracrevicular washing from four sites in each subject. Clinical assessments, included gingival index, probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, bone height, and plaque accumulation. Smokers had a significantly higher percentage of the gingival margin covered by plaque (P%Im), higher number of sites with probing pocket depth > or = 5 mm, higher mean values of probing pocket depth and probing attachment level (P< 0.01). Smokers had significantly higher mean levels of neutrophil elastase activity (P< 0.01) in the supernatants than non-smokers did. In sites with matching pocket depths, neutrophil elastase activity was significantly higher in smokers (P< 0.001) than in non-smokers. In sites with high levels of MMP-8 the PGE2 levels were significantly (P< 0.001) higher compared to sites with low levels in smokers as well as in non-smokers. A significant correlation was found between probing pocket depth and levels of MMP-8 (P< 0.001) and in non-smokers between probing pocket depth and levels of PGE2 (P< 0.05).
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PMID:Neutrophil elastase activity, levels of prostaglandin E2, and matrix metalloproteinase-8 in refractory periodontitis sites in smokers and non-smokers. 1044 59

It has been well documented that acute myocardial infarction is triggered by disruption of atherosclerotic plaques. Immunocytochemistry studies have shown that matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) is specifically expressed by cells present in atherosclerotic plaques, including luminal and neovascular endothelial cells. Since MMP-1 degrades type I collagen, a major type of collagen in atherosclerotic lesions, it is likely that MMP-1 is involved in promoting destabilization of plaques. To date, however, the stimulatory factors that induce MMP-1 expression in endothelial cells have not been well defined. In the present study, we found that oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) stimulated MMP-1 release from both human umbilical vein and aortic endothelial cells. We also found that oxidized LDL markedly stimulated MMP-1 expression in these cells and that the degree of LDL oxidation was positively correlated with the level of MMP-1 mRNA expression. Furthermore, our data showed that stimulated MMP-1 secretion was inhibited by actinomycin D and that the nascent MMP-1 mRNA synthesis was stimulated by oxidized LDL, indicating that oxidized LDL activated transcription of the MMP-1 gene. Finally, both zymography and activity assays demonstrated that collagenase activity in conditioned medium was stimulated by oxidized LDL. Taken together, these results have shown for the first time that oxidized LDL stimulates MMP-1 transcription and secretion by vascular endothelial cells, suggesting that oxidized LDL may be a potent stimulator for MMP-1 expression in atherosclerotic plaques, thus promoting plaque rupture.
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PMID:Oxidized LDL stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression in human vascular endothelial cells. 1055 6

Ligneous conjunctivitis (LC) is a rare disease of unknown etiology characterized by the growth of "woody" plaques on ocular and extraocular mucosa. These lesions are comprised of fibrin and both direct and indirect evidence implicates hypofibrinolysis as the primary defect in LC. To further elucidate the pathophysiology of LC we investigated the biochemical aspects of ligneous lesions with respect to the fibrinolytic system. Ligneous lesions were obtained from the right eye of a 15 year-old female patient with longstanding LC since age 2.5 year. Ligneous conjunctivitis in this patient has exhibited a chronic recurrent coarse and has involved multiple muscosal sites. Samples analyzed included an abundant mucoid thread from the conjunctival fornix and the ligneous plaque attached to the inferior tarsus. Samples were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to characterize protein profiles and by a variety of zymographic methods to visualize fibrinolytic enzymes. We found that mucoid and ligneous samples were distinct entities. Specifically, ligneous samples contained polypeptides with electrophoretic profiles characteristic of intact fibrin, and were replete in fibrin-bound tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). Despite the presence of ample t-PA, ligneous samples were essentially devoid of fibrinolytic activity. In contrast, neither proteins nor t-PA could be detected in mucoid samples when fractionated by 7.5-15% SDS-PAGE or analyzed by fibrin zymography, respectively. Despite the absence of t-PA, mucoid samples were replete in fibrinolytic activity. This activity was plasminogen independent, heterogenous and inhibited by PMSF. Degradation profiles suggested that this activity represented in part alpha-chymotrypsin, consistent with this patient's treatment regime, as well as plasmin, elastase and an unidentified neutrophil-derived activity. Interestingly, ligneous samples contained both latent and activated forms of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), whereas mucoid samples contained predominantly activated forms of MMP-9. LC is characterized by defective fibrinolysis, despite the presence of ample t-PA and intact fibrin, and by an abundant mucoid thread which binds both endogenous and exogenous enzymes including serine protease(s) and collagenase(s). The implications of these results with respect to a role for exuberant mucus production or abnormal mucins in the development of a relative mucosal-site specific plasmin(ogen) deficiency is discussed.
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PMID:Ligneous conjunctivitis: biochemical evidence for hypofibrinolysis. 1070 63

Penetrating atherosclerotic aortic ulcers (PAU) can cause aortic dissection. Of 38 autopsy cases with aortic dissection, 6 (15.8%) had severe atherosclerotic changes, resembling those of PAU, at the site of entry (SE). Clinicopathological data on these patients were compared with those on 32 cases with nonatheromatous dissection (5 with Marfan syndrome or its forme fruste and 27 without Marfan syndrome) and 13 with atherosclerotic saccular aneurysms. For control study, the aorta of a 44-year-old woman who died of pulmonary cancer was used. Compare to nonatheromatous dissection, atherosclerosis-related aortic dissections were found in older women. Four cases were complicated by saccular aneurysms of the aorta. The SE was located in the ascending aorta in 1 and the descending aorta in 5. These sites usually were ulcerated atheromatous plaques or longitudinal fissures rather than transverse tears. Immunohistochemical examination of the SE revealed that MMP-1, 2, 9 and TIMP-2 were expressed in macrophages and/or interstitium, similar to the findings in atheromatous plaque or PAU. We propose that atherosclerosis-related aortic dissection differs from the usual classical aortic dissection. Patients with this lesion have a high risk of re-dissection from the new SE in the same lesion.
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PMID:[Atherosclerosis-related aortic dissection]. 1071 6

Advanced vascular calcification in atherosclerosis weakens arterial walls, thereby imposing a serious rupturing effect. However, the mechanism of dystrophic calcification remains unknown. Although accumulating morphological and biochemical evidence reveals a role for calcifiable vesicles in plaque calcification, the mechanism of vesicle-mediated calcification has not been fully explored. To study whether vesicles' membrane components, such as carbohydrates, may have a role in vesicle-mediated calcification, the effect of sugar-binding lectins on calcification was investigated. Atherosclerosis was developed by feeding rabbits with a diet supplemented with 0.5% cholesterol and 2% peanut oil for 4 months. Calcifiable vesicles were then isolated from thoracic aortas by collagenase digestion. The histological examination of aortas with hematoxylin counter-staining indicated abnormal formation of large plaques enriched with macrophage-derived foam cells. Fourier transform spectroscopy revealed mild calcification in aortas indicating that advanced stages of heavy calcification have yet to be reached. However, vesicles isolated from the aortas were capable of calcification in the presence of physiological levels of Ca(2+), Pi, and ATP. Thus, at this stage of atherosclerosis, aortas may start to produce calcifiable vesicles, but at a level insufficient for substantial formation of mineral in aortas. The assessments by FT-IR analysis and Alizarin red staining indicated that concanavalin A (Con A) substantially increased mineral formation by isolated vesicles. Con A also exerted a marked stimulatory effect on (45)Ca and (32)Pi deposition in a dose-dependent fashion with a half-maximal effect at 6-10 microg/ml. Either alpha-methylmannoside or alpha-methylglucoside, but not mannitol, at 10 mM abolished the stimulation. Con A stimulation was abolished after Con A was removed from calcifying media, suggesting that covalent binding may not be involved in the effect. Galactosides appear to also be implicated in (45)Ca and (32)Pi deposition since Abrus precartorius agglutinin, which specifically binds galactosides, enhanced the deposition. Neither wheat-germ agglutinin that binds N-acetylglucoside nor N-acetylgalactoside-specific Helix pomatia agglutinin was effective, suggesting that the acetylated forms of carbohydrate moieties are either absent in vesicles or may not be involved in calcification. None of these lectins exerted an effect on ATPase. Thus, the effects of lectins appeared to be mediated through interactions with carbohydrate moieties of calcifiable vesicles. Whether stimulation of vesicle-calcification by lectins is of pathological significance in atherosclerotic calcification requires further investigation.
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PMID:Effects of lectins on calcification by vesicles isolated from aortas of cholesterol-fed rabbits. 1072 13

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic plaque rupture. We investigated the effect of the calcium channel blockers amlodipine and nifedipine on the expression of MMP-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in endothelial cells (ECs). MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels in conditioned media of human vascular ECs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Collagenolytic activity was determined by fluorescence-labeled collagen digestion. The addition of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) increased MMP-1 levels in the culture media of ECs. Amlodipine, but not nifedipine, significantly decreased MMP-1 levels in IL-1beta-stimulated ECs. TIMP-1 levels also were significantly increased by IL-1beta, and its expression was slightly decreased by amlodipine, not by nifedipine. Amlodipine significantly inhibited collagenolytic activity in the culture media of IL-1beta-stimulated ECs, whereas nifedipine showed no significant effect on the activity. Our findings revealed that amlodipine, but not nifedipine, inhibits IL-1beta-induced MMP-1 expression in human ECs.
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PMID:Amlodipine inhibits expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and its inhibitor in human vascular endothelial cells. 1083 22

The properties of two VEGF receptors, Flt-1 and KDR, in the signal transduction of VEGF in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were investigated by using two newly developed blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Flt-1 and KDR. VEGF stimulated the expression of transcription factor Ets-1 as well as matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and Flt-1 in HUVECs. The KDR/Flt-1 heterodimer and the KDR homodimer mediate the expression of Ets-1, MMP-1, and Flt-1. VEGF also stimulated DNA synthesis and migration of HUVECs. DNA synthesis is mediated by the same signaling system as the expression of Ets-1. In contrast, cell migration is regulated by two distinct signaling systems. The Flt-1 homodimer is required for actin reorganization. The KDR/Flt-1 heterodimer and the KDR homodimer are required for the assembly of vinculin in focal adhesion plaque by regulating the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin.
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PMID:Properties of two VEGF receptors, Flt-1 and KDR, in signal transduction. 1086 39

There is accumulating evidence of complicated interactions among vascular cells, i.e. endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and monocytes/macrophages, in the regulation of vascular function and remodeling. We have investigated the mechanisms responsible for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression by interactions between monocytes and vascular endothelial cells. THP-1 cells (human monocytic cell line) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cocultured. MMP-1 levels in the culture medium were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Collagenolytic activity in the culture medium was measured by fluorescence labeled-collagen digestion. Immunohistochemistry using an anti-MMP antibody was carried out to determine which types of cell produce MMP-1. The addition of THP-1 cells to HUVECs for 48 h induced increases in MMP-1 levels and collagenolytic activity, which were 5- and 2-fold relative to those of HUVECs alone, respectively. A separate coculture experiment revealed that direct contact of THP-1 cells and HUVECs contributed to enhanced MMP-1 production in the cocolture. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that both types of cell produce MMP-1 in the coculture. Neutralizing anti-interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor- alpha antibodies inhibited MMP-1 production by the coculture. The Src kinase and MEK inhibitors significantly inhibited MMP-1 production by the coculture. Coculture of THP-1 cells and HUVECs induced significant increases in Src and mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase activities. Enhanced MMP-1 expression induced by monocyte-endothelial cell interactions may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and plaque rupture.
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PMID:Matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression by interaction between monocytes and vascular endothelial cells. 1090 Jan 72

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), also called interstitial collagenase, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic plaque rupture. We investigated the effects of fluvastatin on MMP-1 expression in human vascular endothelial cells (ECs). The addition of fluvastatin decreased the basal MMP-1 levels in the culture media of ECs in a time-dependent (0 to 48 hours) and dose-dependent (10(-)(8) to 10(-)(5) mol/L) manner. On the other hand, fluvastatin did not affect tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 levels. Collagenolytic activity in conditioned media of ECs was also dose-dependently reduced by fluvastatin. The effect of fluvastatin on MMP-1 expression was completely reversed in the presence of mevalonate or geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate, but not in the presence of squalene. Inhibition of Rho by C3 exoenzyme also significantly decreased MMP-1 expression in ECs. Our findings revealed that fluvastatin decreases MMP-1 expression in human vascular ECs through inhibition of Rho.
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PMID:Fluvastatin inhibits matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression in human vascular endothelial cells. 1098 59

Advanced arterial wall calcification in atherosclerosis imposes a serious rupturing effect on the aorta. However, the mechanism of dystrophic calcification linked to hyperlipidemia, that causes atherosclerosis remains unknown. Emerging morphological and biochemical evidence reveals that calcifiable vesicles may have a role in plaque calcification. To determine whether a high cholesterol diet can induce arterial calcification and produce or activate calcifiable vesicles in aortas, a rabbit model was used. After 2 months of daily high lipid feeding (supplemented with 2% cholesterol and 6% peanut oil), typical atherosclerotic lesions developed. However, the mineral, if present in aortas, was insufficient to be detected by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) or alizarin red staining, indicative of a non-calcifying stage of atherosclerosis. Small segments of thoracic aortas were digested in a crude collagenase solution to release calcifiable vesicles. Vesicles were also isolated from normal aortas as control to consider the possibility that membrane vesicles may be produced by crude collagenase digestion, which could cause the degradation of some cells. Calcifiable vesicles were precipitated at 300,000 x g after subcellular particles were removed by centrifugation at 30,000 x g. Calcifiability of isolated vesicles was then tested using calcifying media containing physiological levels of Ca2+ and Pi and 1 mM ATP. Electron microscopic observations showed that the isolated vesicles were heterogeneous in size and shape and capable of depositing electron dense particles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of the deposited particles revealed the presence of an amorphous mineral phase. The spectroscopic mineral to matrix ratios, related to the amount of mineralization, indicated that vesicles from cholesterol-fed rabbits produced more minerals than control vesicles obtained from the normal aortas. Alizarin red staining for mineral further demonstrated substantially higher calcifiability of the experimental vesicles. A 3-5 h exposure of the vesicles to calcifying media caused significant deposition of 45Ca and 32Pi in a vesicle protein-concentration dependent manner. Similar to previously reported observations with human atherosclerotic aorta vesicles, rabbit vesicles were enriched in ATP-hydrolyzing enzymes including Mg2+- or Ca2+-ATPase and NTP pyrophosphohydrolase that are implicated in normal and pathological calcification. Altogether, these observations suggest that accumulation of the released calcifiable vesicles, as a result of high cholesterol diets, may have a role in dystrophic calcification in hyperlipidemia-related atherosclerosis.
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PMID:Isolation of calcifiable vesicles from aortas of rabbits fed with high cholesterol diets. 1116 22


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