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Platelet-activating factor increases the expression of metalloproteinase-9 in human bronchial epithelial cells

L Shan1, Y Nishimura, Y Kotani

  • 1First Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University School of Medicine, Japan.

Insights

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) induces matrix metalloproteinase-9 in bronchial epithelial cells. This suggests matrix metalloproteinase-9 plays a role in PAF-driven airway remodeling in asthma.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is implicated in asthma pathogenesis.
  • The role of PAF in extracellular matrix remodeling in the airways is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of PAF in the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human bronchial epithelial cells.
  • To determine if PAF influences the maintenance and remodeling of the extracellular matrix.

Main Methods:

  • Human bronchial epithelial cells were treated with PAF.
  • Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and activity were assessed using gelatin zymography and Western blotting.
  • mRNA expression was analyzed by Northern blotting.
  • PAF receptor antagonists (CV6209 and hexanolamine PAF) were used to investigate the PAF signaling pathway.

Main Results:

  • PAF treatment significantly increased MMP-9 mRNA expression and gelatinolytic activity in bronchial epithelial cells.
  • PAF did not affect MMP-2 expression or activity.
  • Lyso-PAF and hexanolamine PAF did not induce MMP-9, while CV6209 inhibited PAF-induced MMP-9 increases.
  • EDTA inhibited all metalloproteinase activity.

Conclusions:

  • PAF induces MMP-9 expression and activity in human bronchial epithelial cells.
  • MMP-9 is likely involved in the physiopathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix associated with PAF in asthma.

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