Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0034069 (pulmonary fibrosis)
 7,050 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of interstitial collagenases, members of the family of matrix metalloproteinases, in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. The activity, levels and molecular forms of collagenases (matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1, -8 and -13), gelatinase B (MM P-9) and its main endogenous inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were assessed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and sarcoidosis patients with varying degrees of pulmonary parenchymal involvement. Collagenase activity was elevated in IPF and group 3 sarcoidosis patients. A positive correlation between BALF collagenase activity and MMP-8 levels was also observed. Western immunoblotting revealed the presence of two isoforms of MMP-8 in patient samples; an 80 kD form representing latent enzyme from polymorphonuclear neutrophils and a 55 kD form representing the fibroblast-type proform. MMP-9 levels were also elevated in both IPF and group 3 sarcoidosis patients, while TIMP-1 levels remained normal, indicating a shift in the balance between the enzyme and inhibitor, favouring MMP-9. Matrix metalloproteinase-8 is the major contributor to the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid collagenase activity in the airways of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis and may initiate collagen destruction and remodelling leading to the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
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PMID:Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in sarcoidosis and IPF. 1244 77

In this study, we examined the sequential expression of several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and growth factors as well as the presence of apoptosis in a model of pulmonary fibrosis induced in rats with paraquat and hyperoxia. Animals showing neither clinical nor morphological changes with this double aggression were classified as "resistant". Rats were killed at 1, 2, 3, and 6 wk, and lungs were used for collagen content, gene expression by real-time PCR, gelatinolytic activity by zymography, apoptosis by in situ DNA fragmentation, and protein localization by immunohistochemistry. Our results showed a significant decrease of collagenases MMP-8 and MMP-13, with an increase of TIMP-1 and transforming growth factor-beta. Immunoreactive TIMP-1 was increased in experimental rats and primarily localized in alveolar macrophages. Expression of gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNAs was not affected, but lung zymography revealed an increase in progelatinase B, progelatinase A, and its active form. Epithelial apoptosis was evident from the first week, whereas at later periods, interstitial cell apoptosis was also noticed. Resistant animals behave as controls. These findings suggest that an imbalance between collagenases and TIMPs, excessive gelatinolytic activity, and epithelial apoptosis participate in the fibrotic response in this experimental model.
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PMID:Unbalanced collagenases/TIMP-1 expression and epithelial apoptosis in experimental lung fibrosis. 1288 63

Chronic hypoxia is implicated in lung fibrosis, which is characterized by enhanced deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) plays a key role in fibroblast homeostasis and is involved in disease states characterized by excessive fibrosis, such as pulmonary fibrosis. In this study, we investigated if hypoxia modulates the effects of TGF-beta on the expression of gelatinases: matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, interstitial collagenases: MMP-1 and MMP-13, tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMP), collagen type I and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Primary human lung fibroblasts, established from tissue biopsies, were cultivated under normoxia or hypoxia in the presence of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 or TGF-beta3. Gelatinases were assessed by gelatin zymography and collagenases, TIMP, collagen type I and IL-6 by ELISA. Under normoxia fibroblasts secreted MMP-2, collagenases, TIMP, collagen type I and IL-6. TGF-betas significantly decreased MMP-1 and increased TIMP-1, IL-6 and collagen type I. Hypoxia significantly enhanced MMP-2, and collagenases. Compared to normoxia, the combination of TGF-beta and hypoxia reduced MMP-1, and further amplified the level of TIMP, IL-6, and collagen type I. Thus, in human lung fibroblasts hypoxia significantly increases the TGF-betas-induced secretion of collagen type I and may be associated to the accumulation of ECM observed in lung fibrosis.
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PMID:Hypoxia modulates the effects of transforming growth factor-beta isoforms on matrix-formation by primary human lung fibroblasts. 1456 88

Pulmonary fibroblasts are recruited to sites of lung injury, where they are activated to produce extracellular matrix proteins and to facilitate repair. However, these cells become dysregulated in pulmonary fibrosis, producing excess collagen at sites of injury and forming fibrotic loci that impair lung function. In this study, we used WI-38 human lung fibroblasts and evaluated the ability of G protein-coupled receptor agonists to increase cAMP production and regulate cell proliferation and collagen synthesis. WI-38 cells increase cAMP in response to the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (Iso), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), certain prostanoid receptor-selective agonists (beraprost, butaprost), an adenosine receptor agonist, and the direct adenylyl cyclase (AC) activator forskolin (Fsk). Responses to Iso, PGE(2), and Fsk were studied in more detail. Each induced a dose-dependent inhibition of serum-stimulated cell proliferation (as measured by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation) and collagen synthesis (as measured by [(3)H]proline incorporation, collagenase-sensitive [(3)H]proline incorporation, or levels of procollagen type 1 C-peptide). Quantitative RT-PCR analyses indicated that elevation in cellular cAMP levels decreases expression of collagen types 1alpha(II) and 5alpha(I) and increases expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2). Overexpression of AC type 6 or inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases also increased cellular cAMP levels and decreased cell proliferation and collagen synthesis. Thus multiple approaches that increase cAMP signaling reduce proliferation and differentiated function in human pulmonary fibroblasts. These results suggest that therapies that raise cAMP levels may prove useful in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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PMID:cAMP-elevating agents and adenylyl cyclase overexpression promote an antifibrotic phenotype in pulmonary fibroblasts. 1507 8

The individual susceptibility to pulmonary fibrosis (PF) remains a mystery, suggesting a role for genetic predisposition. The pathogenesis of PF involves a multitude of factors mediating crosstalk between various tissue components. Some factors, such as transforming growth factor beta, are recognized as key elements in the process, whereas the role of others, such as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), is unclear. We investigated if Balb/c mice, known to be fibrosis resistant partly due to lack of CTGF induction upon stimulation with bleomycin, can be transformed into fibrosis-sensitive individuals by generation of a CTGF-rich environment using transient overexpression of CTGF by adenoviral gene transfer (AdCTGF). We show that AdCTGF is not sufficient to cause fibrosis, and that bleomycin challenge results in inflammation, but not fibrosis, in Balb/c mouse lungs. This inflammation is accompanied by lower levels of CTGF and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 gene expression compared with fibrosis-prone C57BL/6 mice. However, concomitant administration of AdCTGF and bleomycin leads to a persistent upregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 gene and a significant fibrotic response in Balb/c similar to that in C57BL/6 mice. We propose that CTGF is an important mediator in the pathogenesis of PF in that it provides a local microenvironment in the lung that causes individual susceptibility. CTGF should be considered as a novel drug target and as a potential marker for identifying individuals at risk.
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PMID:Connective tissue growth factor is crucial to inducing a profibrotic environment in "fibrosis-resistant" BALB/c mouse lungs. 1525 88

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, mediating extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression through a series of intracellular signaling molecules, including Smad2 and Smad3. We show that Smad3 null mice (knockout (KO)) develop progressive age-related increases in the size of alveolar spaces, associated with high spontaneous presence of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9 and MMP-12) in the lung. Moreover, transient overexpression of active TGF-beta 1 in lungs, using adenoviral vector-mediated gene transfer, resulted in progressive pulmonary fibrosis in wild-type mice, whereas no fibrosis was seen in the lungs of Smad3 KO mice up to 28 days. Significantly higher levels of matrix components (procollagen 3A1, connective tissue growth factor) and antiproteinases (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1) were detected in wild-type lungs 4 days after TGF-beta 1 administration, while no such changes were seen in KO lungs. These data suggest a pivotal role of the Smad3 pathway in ECM metabolism. Basal activity of the pathway is required to maintain alveolar integrity and ECM homeostasis, but excessive signaling through the pathway results in fibrosis characterized by inhibited degradation and enhanced ECM deposition. The Smad3 pathway is involved in pathogenic mechanisms mediating tissue destruction (lack of repair) and fibrogenesis (excessive repair).
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PMID:Smad3 null mice develop airspace enlargement and are resistant to TGF-beta-mediated pulmonary fibrosis. 1526 46

Inhalation of asbestos fibers causes pulmonary inflammation and eventual pulmonary fibrosis (asbestosis). Although the underlying molecular events are poorly understood, protease/antiprotease and oxidant/antioxidant imbalances are believed to contribute to the disease. Implicated in other forms of pulmonary fibrosis, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have not been examined in asbestosis. We therefore hypothesized that MMPs play a pathogenic role in asbestosis development. Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were intratracheally instilled with 0.1 mg crocidolite asbestos, causing an inflammatory response at 1 d and a developing fibrotic response at 7, 14, and 28 d. Gelatin zymography demonstrated an increase in MMP-9 (gelatinase B) during the inflammatory phase, while MMP-2 (gelatinase A) was profoundly increased in the fibrotic phase. Immunohistochemistry revealed MMP-9 in and around bronchiolar and airspace neutrophils that were often associated with visible asbestos fibers. MMP-2 was found in fibrotic regions at 7, 14, and 28 d. No increases in RNA levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, or MMP-8 were found, but levels of MMP-7, MMP-12, and MMP-13 RNA did increase at 14 d. The MMP inhibitors, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, were also increased at 7-28 d after asbestos exposure. To confirm the importance of MMP activity in disease progression, mice exposed to asbestos were given daily injections of the MMP inhibitor, GM6001. MMP inhibition reduced inflammation and fibrosis in asbestos-treated mice. Collectively, these data suggest that MMPs contribute to the pathogenesis of asbestosis through effects on inflammation and fibrosis development.
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PMID:Matrix metalloproteinases promote inflammation and fibrosis in asbestos-induced lung injury in mice. 1657 44

To investigate simultaneously localization and relative activity of MMPs during extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rat, we analyzed the time course of the expression, activity and/or concentration of gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9, collagenase MMP-1, matrylisin MMP-7, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, both in alveolar space (cellular and extracellular compartments) and in lung tissue. MMP and TIMP expression was detected (immunohistochemistry) in lung tissue. MMP activity (zymography) and TIMP concentration (ELISA) were evaluated in lung tissue homogenate (LTH), BAL supernatant (BALs) and BAL cell pellet (BALp) 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after bleomycin intratracheal instillation. Immunohistochemistry showed an extensive MMP and TIMP expression from day 7 in a wide range of structural and inflammatory cells in treated rats. MMP-2 was present mainly in epithelia, MMP-9 in inflammatory cells. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity was increased respectively in BAL fluid and BAL cells, with a peak at day 7. TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 concentration (ELISA) enhancement was delayed at day 14. In conclusion gelatinases and their inhibitors are significantly activated during bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Marked changes in gelatinases activity are observed early in the alveolar compartment, with a prevailing extracellular activity of MMP-2 and a predominant intracellular distribution of MMP-9, while enzyme activity changes in lung parenchyma were less evident. In the repairing phase the reduction of gelatinases activity is synchronous with a peak of alveolar concentration of their inhibitors.
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PMID:Time course of matrix metalloproteases and tissue inhibitors in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. 1721 41

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a major side effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Recent clinical trials, unfortunately, have failed to identify any therapeutic agent which has the potential to reduce the consequences of this devastating condition. Reactive oxygen species and tissue remodeling regulators, such as metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs), are thought to be involved in the development of PF. We investigated these factors to determine the protective effects of antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (LA) against antineoplastic agent bleomycin (BLM)-induced oxidant lung toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats. At different time intervals after BLM administration, pathological changes of the lung were analyzed with the measurement of total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), hydroxyproline (HYP) content and the level of three oxidative stress markers, i.e. malondialdehyde (MDA), the GSH/GSSG ratio, and total antioxidative capability (T-AOC). Also, the expression changes of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were measured. At day 14 or 28 after BLM administration, protein content in BALF, and HYP, MDA and T-AOC contents of the lung increased significantly with a decreased GSH/GSSG ratio, implicating an increased efflux of GSSG from the lung and consumption of GSH. In contrast, treatment with LA protected BLM-induced pulmonary injury by suppressing oxidative stress with the reduction of MDA, and the enhancement of the GSH/GSSG ratio and T-AOC. The BLM-stimulated symptoms of PF were relieved with significant reduction of HYP and total proteins in LA-treated rats. LA also ameliorated the MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio. These results suggest that LA inhibits BLM-induced lung toxicity associated with oxidative damage. Therefore, antioxidant LA has a potential therapeutic effect in the prevention and alleviation of PF.
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PMID:Therapeutic effects of alpha-lipoic acid on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. 1748 18

Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in interstitium resulting in respiratory failure associated with inflammation showing mainly neutrophil (PMN) recruitment. The turn over of extracellular matrix is partially regulated by proteases such as metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs). We investigated the impact of PMN depletion on the MMP/TIMP-1 imbalance and the development of fibrosis in mice induced by bleomycin (0.3 mg/mouse). Administration of 200 microL of rabbit anti-mouse PMN antibody i.p. blunted the neutrophil influx detected in BAL and in whole blood one day after bleomycin administration. At day(14), hydroxyproline content was increased both in anti-PMN treated and control mice, without any difference between groups. At day one, bleomycin elicited a raise in pro-MMP-9 level in BAL that was significantly attenuated in anti-PMN depleted mice, whereas TIMP-1 and MMP-2 release were similar in both groups at day(1) and day(14). Higher RNA levels were observed in PMN-treated mice at day(1) for MMP-9 and MMP-2 and at day(14) for MMP-2 only. At day(14), bleomycin elicited a raise of TIMP-1 protein and RNA levels regardless of anti-PMN treatment, whereas MMP-9 returned to basal level. Bleomycin enhanced MMP-8 level in BAL at day(14) only for the control group. The amount of MMP-8 was more important in BAL from anti-PMN treated mice than in control mice at day(1) and day(14). PMN-depletion and the associated modifications in pro-MMP-9/TIMP-1 imbalance in lung during the early inflammatory phase do not alter susceptibility to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
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PMID:Influence of early neutrophil depletion on MMPs/TIMP-1 balance in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. 1749 92


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