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Gelatinolytic Activity (gelatinolytic + activity)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	87%
Life Sciences	12%

Selected Abstracts

Overexpression of nitric oxide synthase by the endothelium attenuates bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and impairs MMP-9/TIMP-1 balance

RESPIROLOGY, Issue 5 2006
Sho YOSHIMURA
Background: Nitric oxide (NO) produced by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) is thought to effect an anti-inflammatory response, but its mechanism is still unknown. Methods: eNOS transgenic (eNOS-TG) mice and their littermate controls (C57/BL6) were used to clarify the role of NO derived from eNOS. Bleomycin hydrochloride (1 U/body/day) or PBS was injected intraperitoneally. Results: Subpleural fibrotic changes and hydroxyproline content in the eNOS-TG mice were significantly reduced compared with those of the wild-type (WT) mice by day 56. Administration of N, -nitro- l -arginine methyl ester, a potent inhibitor of NO synthase, worsened the fibrotic response in bleomycin-treated eNOS-TG mice. Gelatinolytic activity in lung homogenates, corresponding to metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), was significantly increased in bleomycin-injured WT mice on day 14. In contrast, the level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), an endogenous MMP-9 inhibitor, was increased in the bleomycin-treated eNOS-TG mice compared with WT. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were strongly expressed in inflammatory cells, including subpleural fibrotic lesions. Conclusion: These data suggested that eNOS overexpression attenuates bleomycin-induced lung injury by ameliorating the MMP-9/TIMP-1 balance. [source]

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in bladder cancer: the induction of MMP9 by epidermal growth factor and its detection in urine

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2003
J.E. Nutt
OBJECTIVES To investigate the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 in bladder cancer cell lines stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF), and to investigate the presence of gelatinases in the urine of patients with bladder tumours, in relation to the stage and grade of tumour and the EGF receptor (EGFR) status. PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS Conditioned media from cultured tumour cells were analysed by zymography. Urine samples from 28 patients with transitional cell carcinoma and 12 normal volunteers were also analysed. Western blotting was used to verify the bands of gelatinolytic activity. The EGFR status of the tumours was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS MMP9 was induced by EGF in the RT112 but not the RT4 bladder tumour cell line, whereas MMP2 production was unaffected by EGF. Gelatin zymography of urine samples from patients with bladder tumours showed high levels of MMP activity, with 78% positive for MMP9 and 28% positive for MMP2. The total gelatinolytic and MMP9 activity were significantly higher in patients with high-stage invasive tumours than in those with superficial tumours (P < 0.05), and were higher than in normal controls. Gelatinolytic activity at 130 and 200 kDa in urine was identified as MMP9 and MMP2. There was no significant relationship of urinary MMP9 activity to EGFR status of the tumour. CONCLUSION EGF induces MMP9 but not MMP2 in bladder cells. Analysis of urinary gelatinases is a useful noninvasive technique and both total gelatinase and MMP9 activity are associated with high stages of bladder tumours. [source]

Localization of matrix metalloproteinase 2 within the aneurysmal and normal aortic wall

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 10 2000
M. Crowther
Background Current research has shed new light on the role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). MMP-2 is a major protease in the wall of small aneurysms and is produced at increased levels by smooth muscle cells derived from AAAs compared with normal controls. In vivo, MMP-2 is produced as an inactive proenzyme that is activated predominantly by the cell membrane-bound enzyme, membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP). This study investigated the production of the MMP-2,MT1-MMP,tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) 2 system within the wall of aortic aneurysms and in age-matched control arterial tissue. Methods Arterial tissue from four patients with aortic aneurysms and four age-matched aortic samples was examined for the production and expression of MMP-2, TIMP-2 and MT1-MMP protein using immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and in situ zymography. Results All components of the MMP-2,TIMP-2,MT1-MMP enzyme system were detected in the arterial wall of both aneurysm and control samples, specifically in the medial tissue. The enzymes co-localized with medial smooth muscle cells. Gelatinolytic activity was localized to elastin fibres in normal and aneurysmal aorta. Conclusion The presence of MT1-MMP within the media of arterial tissue suggests a powerful pathway for the activation of MMP-2. The localization of the MMP-2,TIMP-2,MT1-MMP enzyme system to the medial layer of the arterial wall gives support to the concept that this system may play an aetiological role in the pathogenesis of AAAs. © 2000 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source]

Activation of gelatinolytic/collagenolytic activity in dentin by self-etching adhesives

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 2 2006
Yoshihiro Nishitani
Mild acids are known to activate dentin matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs). All self-etching dental adhesives are acidic (pH 1.5,2.7) and may activate dentin MMPs. The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of several all-in-one adhesives to activate gelatinolytic and collagenolytic activities in powdered mineralized dentin. Powdered dentin made from human teeth was mixed with all-in-one adhesives (Clearfil Tri-S Bond, G-Bond, Adper Prompt L-Pop) or a self-etching primer (Clearfil SE Bond primer) for varying times and then the reaction was stopped by extracting the adhesives using acetone. Fresh untreated mineralized dentin powder had a gelatinolytic activity of 3.31 ± 0.39 relative fluorescent units (RFU) per mg dry weight (24 h) that increased, over storage time, to 87.5 RFU mg,1 (24 h) after 6,8 wk. When fresh powder was treated with acidic Tri-S Bond, the gelatinolytic activity increased from 3.24 ± 0.70 RFU mg,1 to >,112.5 RFU mg,1 (24 h) after 20 min and then remained unchanged. Monomers with lower pH values produced less activity. There was a significant, direct correlation between gelatinolytic activity and pH, with Tri-S giving the highest activity. Coating dentin powder with Tri-S resin prevented fluorescent substrates from gaining access to the enzyme, even though it activated the enzyme. In conclusion, self-etch adhesives may activate latent MMP and increase the activity to near-maximum levels and contribute to the degradation of resin,dentin bonds over time. [source]

Deposition of chromatin-IgG complexes in skin of nephritic MRL-lpr/lpr mice is associated with increased local matrix metalloprotease activities

EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2010
Annica Hedberg
Please cite this paper as: Deposition of chromatin-IgG complexes in skin of nephritic MRL-lpr/lpr mice is associated with increased local matrix metalloprotease activities. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e265,e274. Abstract:, Chromatin-IgG complexes appear as electron dense structures (EDS) in glomerular basement membranes in lupus nephritis. Here, we present results of comparative analyses of the composition of EDS in murine lupus dermatitis and nephritis. One focus was to perform an analytical approach to understand why such complex structures bind skin basement membrane components. Transcription of skin membrane-encoding genes was analysed to see if expression of such genes was increased, eventually indicating that binding capacity of immune complexes increased when dermatitis developed. Variations in matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2), MMP9 and Dnase1 mRNA levels and enzymatic activities were correlated with circulatory chromatin-IgG complexes and deposition in skin. We also examined if glomerular deposits of EDS predicted similar deposits in skin of (NZB × NZW)F1 or MRL-lpr/lpr mice, as we observed chromatin-IgG complexes in capillary lumina in skin and glomeruli in both strains. EDS consisting of chromatin fragments and IgG were found sub-epidermally in skin with LE-like lesions of end-stage nephritic MRL-lpr/lpr mice. Dermal MMP-encoding genes were up-regulated during disease progression, and gelatinolytic activity was increased in affected skin. Dnase1 mRNA level and total nuclease activity remained stable in skin during the disease, in contrast to progressive loss of renal Dnase1 mRNA and total renal nuclease activity during development of nephritis. Loss of renal Dnase1 may explain release of chromatin fragments, while increased MMP activity may disrupt membranes making them accessible for chromatin fragment-IgG complexes. Circulatory chromatin-IgG complexes, and up-regulated intradermal MMP activity may be crucial for deposition of immune complexes in skin of lupus-prone mice. [source]

Combined effect of the finasteride and doxazosin on rat ventral prostate morphology and physiology

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Luis A. Justulin Jr
Summary Finasteride (Fin) and Doxazosin (Dox), alone or in combination, have been widely used in treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms and recently have been suggested as potential drugs for prostate cancer (PCa)prevention and treatment. However, little is known about the effects of the combination therapy on prostate tissue morphology, physiology and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity, a special set of enzymes closely related to PCa progression and metastasis. In this study, adult Wistar rats were treated with Fin + Dox (25 mg/kg per day) and the ventral prostate (VP) was excised at days 3 and 30 of treatment to evaluate morphology, cell proliferation, death, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-,1) protein expression, MMP-2, MMP-9 activities and MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNA expression. Fin + Dox treatment induced a transient increase in testosterone (T) plasma concentration and a permanent reduction in dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The VP and epithelial cell proliferation were reduced and the stromal collagen fibre volume fraction and apoptosis of the epithelial cell were increased. Fin + Dox treatment also increased the TGF-,1 immunoreaction in the epithelium and in the stroma. The mRNAs for MMP-2, TIMPs-1 and -2 expressions after 30 days of treatment were decreased. The mRNA for MMP-9 was not detected in any of the groups analysed. Fin + Dox treatment for 30 days promoted a decrease in gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and an increase in MMP-9. In conclusion, combined treatment with Fin and Dox interferes in the epithelial cell behaviour and in the MMPs activity, potentially via TGF-,1-mediated and androgen pathways. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the clinical data and also of the molecular mechanisms behind isolated or combined Fin and Dox long-term treatment. [source]

Distinct progression-associated expression of tumor and stromal MMPs in HaCaT skin SCCs correlates with onset of invasion

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 10 2009
Silvia Vosseler
Abstract Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are critically involved in tumor invasion and metastasis. However, failure of broad spectrum MMP inhibitors in clinical trials emphasizes the need for detailed analyses of the specific role of different MMPs in tumor malignancy. Using HaCaT-keratinocyte clones representing distinct stages in skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) progression, we demonstrate the expression of specific tumor and stroma-derived MMPs with the onset and maintenance of tumor invasion. Although MMP-9-positive leukocytes are present in benign and malignant tumor transplants at the onset of stromal activation and angiogenesis, mRNA expression of stroma-derived MMP-9 as well as MMP-2, ,13 and ,14 is exclusively found in enhanced malignant tumor transplants. Their expression initiates with the onset of invasion, whereas being absent in early noninvasive stages of malignant transplants. In addition, a high expression of tumor-derived MMP-1, ,2 and ,14 contributes to malignant and invasive tumor growth. However, stroma-derived MMP-3 is exclusively restricted to very late-stage invasive and malignant transplants. The functional contribution of these proteases to invasive growth is supported by the gelatinolytic activity in the tumor transplants that again initiates with the onset of invasive growth suggesting a crucial role of MMP-2, ,9, ,13 and ,14 for the establishment of a reactive stroma that promotes tumor invasion. These data demonstrate a complex cooperation of distinct tumor and stroma-derived MMPs in the establishment of malignant tumors and provide the basis for a more specific use of highly selective MMP inhibitors during distinct stages of tumor progression. © 2009 UICC [source]

Analysis of the signal transduction pathway of nickel-induced matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression in the human keratinocytes in vitro: preliminary findings

JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2007
Brunella Perfetto
Background:, Nickel can induce cellular and nuclear damages responsible for chronic diseases, like allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). We previously showed that matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gene expression was induced by nickel in nontumorigenic human keratinocytes cell line (HaCat). Objective:, To investigate the signal transduction pathways involved in gelatinolytic activity induced in HaCat under nickel stimulation. Methods:, We analyzed the involvement of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), tyrosine kinase (PTK), nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) using specific inhibitors (H89, calphostin C, genistein, carpain and curcumin) by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and gelatin zymography. Results:, Our results indicate that nickel-induced MMP-2 production was inhibited with PTK, PKC and AP-1 specific inhibitors. Moreover, both PKA and NF-kB were not involved in nickel pathway. Conclusions:, Using HaCat, we showed that curcumin and genistein can revert nickel-induced MMP-2 upregulation. Whether the use of PTK and AP-1 inhibitors has therapeutic ramifications in the management of ACD remains to be investigated. [source]

AUF-1 mediates inhibition by nitric oxide of lipopolysaccharide-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in cultured astrocytes

JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 2 2006
Wenlan Liu
Abstract Neuroinflammatory diseases are associated with increased production of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and excessive generation of nitric oxide (NO). NO hasbeen reported to have variable effects on MMP-9 gene expression and activation in various cell types. Inthe present study, we investigated the effect of NOon MMP-9 expression in primary cortical astrocytes. Zymography and real-time PCR showed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) dramatically increased latent MMP-9 gelatinolytic activity and MMP-9 mRNA expression. By using the NO donor DETA NONOate, we observed a dose-dependent inhibition of MMP-9 induction by LPS. Active forms of MMP-9 were not found by zymography after NO treatment. The MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 completely inhibited LPS-induced MMP-9, which was partially inhibited by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580. NO had no effect on LPS-stimulated ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activation, suggesting that the inhibitory action of NO occurs downstream of MAPK cascades. Real-time PCR analysis showed that NO accelerated the degradation of MMP-9 mRNA after LPS induction. Western blotting and pull-down assay demonstrated that NO increased AUF-1 expression as well as its specific binding to the MMP-9 gene 3,-untranslated region. Knockdown of AUF-1 with siRNA partially reversed the inhibitory action of NO on LPS-stimulated MMP-9 induction. We conclude that NO does not activate MMP-9 in astrocyte cultures but reduces LPS-induced MMP-9 expression via accelerating MMP-9 mRNA degradation, which is partially mediated by AUF-1. Our results suggest that elevated NO concentrations may suppress MMP-9 and restrict the inflammatory response in neurodegenerative diseases. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Cleaved high molecular weight kininogen inhibits tube formation of endothelial progenitor cells via suppression of matrix metalloproteinase 2

JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 1 2010
Y. WU
Summary.,Background and objective:,Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to postnatal neovascularization, thus promoting wide interest in their therapeutic potential in vascular injury and prevention of their dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases. Cleaved high molecular weight kininogen (HKa), an activation product of the plasma kallikrein-kinin system (KKS), inhibits the functions of differentiated endothelial cells including in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis. In this study, our results provided the first evidence that HKa is able to target EPCs and inhibits their tube forming capacity. Methods and results:,We determined the effect of HKa on EPCs using a three-dimensional vasculogenesis assay. Upon stimulation with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) alone, EPCs formed vacuoles and tubes, and differentiated into capillary-like networks. As detected by gelatinolytic activity assay, VEGF stimulated secretion and activation of matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP-2), but not MMP-9, in the conditioned medium of 3D culture of EPCs. Specific inhibition or gene ablation of MMP-2, but not MMP-9, blocked the vacuole and tube formation by EPCs. Thus, MMP-2 is selectively required for EPC vasculogenesis. In a concentration-dependent manner, HKa significantly inhibited tube formation by EPCs and the conversion of pro-MMP-2 to MMP-2. Moreover, HKa completely blocked the association between pro-MMP-2 and ,v,3 integrin, and its inhibition of MMP-2 activation was dependent on the presence of ,v,3 integrin. In a purified system, HKa did not directly inhibit MMP-2 activity. Conclusions:,HKa inhibits tube forming capacity of EPCs by suppression of MMP-2 activation, which may constitute a novel link between activation of the KKS and EPC dysfunction. [source]

Inhibition of a novel sperm gelatinase in prawn sperm by the male reproduction-related kazal-type peptidase inhibitor

MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 8 2008
Ye Li
Abstract Previously, we have identified and characterized a male reproduction-related kazal-type peptidase inhibitor (MRPINK) gene from the prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. In the present study, MRPINK was discovered to have an inhibitory effect on the gelatinolytic activity of M. rosenbergii sperm and immunofluorescence analysis revealed it bound specifically onto the base of sperm. The proteolytic activity of sperm extracts to vitelline coat components was also detected to be interfered by MRPINK. Furthermore, a novel gelatinase on sperm was found to be specifically inhibited by MRPINK and was named M. rosenbergii sperm gelatinase (MSG). MSG was then isolated and purified by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography combining with gelatinolytic assay. By amino-terminal amino acid sequence analysis and molecular cloning, the primary structure of MSG was determined. The data presented in this study provided evidence that MRPINK has an inhibitory effect on the gelatinolytic activity as well as proteolytic activity of prawn sperm and specifically blocks the activity of MSG. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1327,1337, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) deficiency improves bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by attenuation of both macrophage infiltration and production of macrophage-derived matrix metalloproteinases

THE JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2004
Toshiyuki Okuma
Abstract Macrophage infiltration is implicated in various types of pulmonary fibrosis. One important pathogenetic process associated with pulmonary fibrosis is injury to basement membranes by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that are produced mainly by macrophages. In this study, C-C chemokine receptor 2-deficient (CCR2,/,) mice were used to explore the relationship between macrophage infiltration and MMP activity in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, using the bleomycin-induced model of this disease process. CCR2 is the main (if not only) receptor for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/C-C chemokine ligand 2 (MCP-1/CCL2), which is a critical mediator of macrophage trafficking, and CCR2 ,/, mice demonstrate defective macrophage migration. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced in CCR2,/, and wild-type (CCR2+/+) mice by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. No significant differences in the total protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, or in the degree of histological lung inflammation, were observed in the two groups until day 7. Between days 3 and 21, however, BAL fluid from CCR2,/, mice contained fewer macrophages than BAL fluid from CCR2+/+ mice. Gelatin zymography of BAL fluid and in situ zymography revealed reduced gelatinolytic activity in CCR2,/, mice. Immunocytochemical staining showed weaker expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in macrophages in BAL fluid from CCR2,/, mice at day 3. Gelatin zymography of protein extracted from alveolar macrophages showed reduced gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in CCR2,/, mice. At days 14 and 21, lung remodelling and the hydroxyproline content of lung tissues were significantly reduced in CCR2,/, mice. These results suggest that the CCL2/CCR2 functional pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and that CCR2 deficiency may improve the outcome of this disease by regulating macrophage infiltration and macrophage-derived MMP-2 and MMP-9 production. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in bladder cancer: the induction of MMP9 by epidermal growth factor and its detection in urine

Keloid-derived fibroblasts show increased secretion of factors involved in collagen turnover and depend on matrix metalloproteinase for migration

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2005
M. Fujiwara
Summary Background, ,A keloid is a specific skin lesion that expands beyond the boundaries of the original injury as it heals. Histologically, it is characterized by the excessive accumulation of collagen. However, the reasons for the expansion and the invasive nature of keloids remain unknown. Objectives, We evaluated collagen degradation and migration by cultured keloid fibroblasts based on the assumption that these variables were of functional relevance to the expanding and invasive nature of keloid lesions. Methods, Collagen production was investigated by the detection of type 1 collagen (procollagen type 1C peptide: P1P). Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 (interstitial collagenase) and MMP-2 (gelatinase-A), were investigated as elements of the collagen degradation system. Enzyme immunoassays were performed to measure the production of P1P, MMP-1, MMP-2, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1. To assess the production of MMP-2 its gelatinolytic activity was measured by zymography using gelatin-containing gels. The participation of transforming growth factor-,1 (TGF-,1) in the production and degradation of collagen was also investigated. Finally, the migratory activity of keloid fibroblasts was evaluated using a colony dispersion assay. Results, The production of type 1 collagen, MMP-1, MMP-2, and TIMP-1 by keloid fibroblasts was 3-fold, 6-fold, 2·4-fold, and 2-fold greater than that of normal dermal fibroblasts, respectively. Production of P1P was increased when TGF-,1 was added to cultures of keloid fibroblasts, while it was decreased when anti-TGF-,1 antibody was added to the cultures. In contrast, the production of MMP-1 was decreased by the addition of TGF-,1 to cultured keloid fibroblasts, while it was increased when anti-TGF-,1 antibody was added to the cultures. The production of MMP-2 increased after treatment with TGF-,1, but did not change significantly when anti-TGF-,1 antibody was added to the cultures. Production of TIMP-1 did not change significantly when either TGF-,1 or anti-TGF-,1 antibody was added to the cultures. Keloid fibroblasts showed a 2·5-fold increase of migratory activity compared with normal dermal fibroblasts, while the migratory activity of these fibroblasts was reduced to the control level by treatment with a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor (GM 6001). Conclusions, Cultured keloid fibroblasts showed increased production of collagen and MMPs, and TGF-,1 played a role in this regulation of production. In addition, increased production of MMPs had a role in the high migratory activity of cultured keloid fibroblasts. [source]

Transcriptional expression and gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases in Henoch,Schonlein purpura

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 8 2010
N Mahajan
Abstract Aim:, Accelerated extracellular matrix breakdown caused by the increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been implicated in several rheumatological disorders and systemic vasculitides, especially Takayasu's arteritis and Kawasaki disease. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the potential role of MMPs in Henoch,Schonlein purpura (HSP), an acute type of systemic vasculitis in children. Methods:, We studied the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the sera using gelatin zymography and the transcriptional expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using semi-quantitative RT-PCR in 20 patients with HSP in acute and convalescent phase and in 20 healthy children, who were siblings of the subjects with same age group. Results:, All 20 children with HSP showed increased levels of serum activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in acute phase as compared with their convalescent phase [MMP-2 (p > 0.05); MMP-9 (p > 0.05)] and their control counterparts [MMP-2 (p < 0.001); MMP-9 (p < 0.001)]. Similarly, transcriptional expression of MMPs was found to be higher in the acute phase of HSP than in convalescent phase [MMP-2 (p < 0.05); MMP-9 (p < 0.001)] and in their healthy controls [MMP-2 (p < 0.001); MMP-9 (p < 0.01)]. Conclusion:, The presence of excessive transcriptional expression and gelatinolytic activity of MMPs may be downstream to the actual aetiopathogenetic factors. [source]