Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mee-Hae Kim, Shao Ying Tan, Kenichi Yamahara, Masahiro Kino-Oka
Summary: Assessing the ability of cultured cells to degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies. However, current methods to assess this ability in vitro are lacking. In this study, a simple culture platform using high-density collagen surfaces was developed to study the ECM remodeling potential of cultured MSCs. This platform was used to evaluate the ECM remodeling potential of long-term ex vivo-expanded MSCs in vitro.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kang Fu, Xueyao Zheng, Yuhan Chen, Liuying Wu, Zhiming Yang, Xu Chen, Wei Song
Summary: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are serious complications of diabetes mellitus, characterized by tissue destruction in the foot. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play crucial roles in the pathogenesis and wound healing process of DFUs. Overexpression of MMPs in DFUs can result in excessive tissue degradation and impaired wound healing. Regulation of MMP levels may facilitate wound healing in DFUs.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Helena Laronha, Ines Carpinteiro, Jaime Portugal, Ana Azul, Mario Polido, Krasimira T. Petrova, Madalena Salema-Oom, Isabel Barahona, Jorge Caldeira
Summary: A new class of MMP inhibitors has been discovered, which can be co-polymerized with other vinyl compounds in commercial dental resins, limiting release and potential toxicity, and increasing safety. These inhibitors show unique properties towards various MMPs and did not significantly decrease cell viability at high concentrations.
Article
Fisheries
Zhimeng Lv, Guanghui Han, Chenghua Li
Summary: The TIMP1 gene plays a crucial role in inflammatory diseases in vertebrates, responding to bacterial challenge and LPS exposure. AjTIMP1 is expressed in all tissues, with the highest levels in the body wall. Imbalance in AjMMP1/AjTIMP1 ratio was observed in skin ulceration syndrome patients, leading to an inflammatory response with ROS formation and collagen degradation.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Craig N. Morrell, Doran Mix, Anu Aggarwal, Rohan Bhandari, Matthew Godwin, Phillip Owens, Sean P. Lyden, Adam Doyle, Krystin Krauel, Matthew T. Rondina, Amy Mohan, Charles J. Lowenstein, Sharon Shim, Shaun Stauffer, Vara Prasad Josyula, Sara K. Ture, David Yule, Larry E. Wagner, John M. Ashton, Ayman Elbadawi, Scott J. Cameron
Summary: Biomechanical platelet activation may be a potential mechanism behind resistance to antiplatelet medication. A study on patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) found that activation of olfactory receptor pathway is associated with AAA progression. A molecule activating platelet olfactory receptor was identified and shown to inhibit platelet activation and AAA growth.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Milton H. Hamblin, Jean-Pyo Lee
Summary: Neural stem cell transplantation shows promise in treating ischemic stroke by potentially therapeutic actions against neurovascular injury. By secreting factors that stimulate endogenous repair mechanisms, NSCs can promote self-recovery in early-stage ischemic stroke and improve short-term and long-term stroke outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mehmet Zeynel Cilek, Susana de Vega, Jun Shiozawa, Chiho Yoshinaga, Yuka Miyamae, Miyuki Chijiiwa, Satsuki Mochizuki, Masatoshi Ito, Haruka Kaneko, Kazuo Kaneko, Muneaki Ishijima, Yasunori Okada
Summary: ADAMTS4 is overexpressed in osteoarthritis synovium and synergistically upregulated by interleukin-1 alpha, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and transforming growth factor-beta. Concurrent therapy with anti-TNF-alpha drug and inhibitor(s) may be useful for prevention against aggrecan degradation in OA.
LABORATORY INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aneta Choreziak-Michalak, Dawid Szpecht, Anna Chmielarz-Czarnocinska, Agnieszka Seremak-Mrozikiewicz, Krzysztof Drews, Grazyna Kurzawinska, Ewa Strauss, Anna Gotz-Wieckowska
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between genetic variations in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in the Polish population. The results suggest that certain genetic variants, including the MMP-1 rs179975 1G deletion allele and TIMP-1 rs4898C allele, are associated with an increased risk of ROP. The study also identifies interactions between multiple genetic loci that impact the risk of ROP.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Muzamil Majid Khan, Daniel Poeckel, Aliaksandr Halavatyi, Joanna Zukowska-Kasprzyk, Frank Stein, Johanna Vappiani, Daniel C. Sevin, Christian Tischer, Nico Zinn, Jessica D. Eley, Natasja Staehr Gudmann, Thomas Muley, Hauke Winter, Andrew J. Fisher, Carmel B. Nanthakumar, Giovanna Bergamini, Rainer Pepperkok
Summary: Fibrosis can lead to tissue architecture and function loss in any organ, characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, but the lack of suitable human models and techniques hinders the discovery of cures. The study demonstrates the viability and metabolic activity of human precision-cut lung slices (hPCLS) in ex vivo culture, showing an induction of ECM proteins related to pulmonary fibrosis without increased fibrillar collagen deposition. The presence of pro-ECM degradation activity in hPCLS cultures suggests potential for testing anti-fibrotic agents.
EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Chun-Yan Wan, Lei Li, Ling-Shuang Liu, Chun-Miao Jiang, Hong-Zhe Zhang, Jian-Xun Wang
Summary: The study investigated the relationship between MMPs and TIMPs during the development of apical periodontitis in mice. Results showed that the expression levels of MMPs and TIMPs increased with periapical inflammation progression, with variations in expression levels during acute and chronic stages.
JOURNAL OF ENDODONTICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Lin Yue, Yaojie Shi, Xingping Su, Liang Ouyang, Guan Wang, Tinghong Ye
Summary: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a deadly disease with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis, where matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are identified as key players. However, there are currently no MMP inhibitors for IPF treatment. This review discusses the latest developments in MMP inhibitors and future directions based on emerging tools and techniques.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Gokul Raj Kathamuthu, Kadar Moideen, Kannan Thiruvengadam, Rathinam Sridhar, Dhanaraj Baskaran, Subash Babu
Summary: This study investigated the levels of circulating MMPs and TIMPs in TBL individuals with and without helminth coinfection, revealing that MMPs and TIMPs were elevated in TBL-Hel+ coinfected individuals. Regression analysis showed that these changes were independent of age, sex, and culture status. The MMP-2 ratio with all TIMPs was significantly associated with TBL-helminth coinfection, indicating a profound effect of helminth infection on TBL pathogenesis and immunity.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Margarida Beatriz, Carla Lopes, Ana Claudia S. Ribeiro, Ana Cristina Carvalho Rego
Summary: Neurodegenerative movement disorders such as Huntington's disease exhibit progressive motor disability and neuropsychiatric impairment. Restorative therapies show promise in restoring brain circuits, but clinical trials have shown mixed results. Researchers are exploring cell replacement therapies and genetic interventions in animal models and patients with HD.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jitang Chen, Ze-yang Ding, Si Li, Sha Liu, Chen Xiao, Zifu Li, Bi-xiang Zhang, Xiao-ping Chen, Xiangliang Yang
Summary: Targeting TGF beta signaling for cancer therapy presents challenges and opportunities, as inhibitors can enhance chemotherapy efficacy but must also consider the dual role of TGF beta in normal tissues and tumors to avoid unwanted side effects.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andreas Vilcinskas
Summary: The study demonstrates the pleiotropic functions of silkworm MMPs and TIMP in insect immunity and metamorphosis, despite insects producing fewer MMPs compared to mammals.