Involvement of MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 in human periodontal disease

Abstract
Objectives:
Periodontal disease is characterized by an increased collagen metabolism. Although membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) plays a critical role in collagen degradation, its involvement in human periodontitis remains to be determined.
Methods:
MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 expression and distribution were evaluated in gingival tissue samples derived from 10 healthy and 12 periodontitis-affected human subjects. MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 expression were assessed through Western-blot of tissue homogenates. The main cell types involved in MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 production were evaluated by means of immunohistochemistry.
Results:
Both MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 were significantly increased in periodontitis-affected gingival tissues when compared to healthy gingiva. Moreover, the balance between MT1-MMP and its inhibitor TIMP-2 was altered in periodontitis-affected tissues, suggesting an imbalance in this proteolytic axis. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated the expression of MT1-MMP in fibroblasts and macrophages in gingival tissues. MT1-MMP was detected in cells in close association with the gingival collagen matrix. TIMP-2 expression was identified in fibroblasts, macrophages and epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
Our observations show an increased expression of MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 in periodontitis-affected gingival tissues. The altered balance between these two molecular mediators of collagen remodeling suggests their involvement in human periodontal disease.
Description
Keywords
MMP, MMP-14, MT1-MMP, TIMP-2, periodontal disease, TYPE-1 MATRIX-METALLOPROTEINASE, GINGIVAL CREVICULAR FLUID, NECROSIS-FACTOR-ALPHA, 1-MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE, TISSUE INHIBITOR, IN-VIVO, EXPRESSION, COLLAGENASE, ACTIVATION, SURFACE
Citation