Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase expression in endothelial cells by heat-inactivated Streptococcus pneumoniae

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U Michel1, R Zobotke, M Mäder

  • 1Neurobiologisches Labor, Neurologische und Psychiatrische Klinik, 37075 Göttingen, Germany. umichel@gwdg.de

Infection and Immunity
|February 17, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Heat-inactivated Streptococcus pneumoniae increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) release from endothelial cells. This suggests a potential mechanism linking bacterial components to endothelial dysfunction in disease.

Area of Science:

  • Endothelial biology
  • Microbiology
  • Enzymology

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in endothelial dysfunction.
  • The role of bacterial components in modulating MMPs requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of heat-inactivated Streptococcus pneumoniae on MMP-2 and MMP-9 release.
  • To determine if S. pneumoniae influences MMP release from aortic and brain capillary endothelial cells.

Main Methods:

  • Cultured aortic and brain capillary endothelial cells were treated with heat-inactivated S. pneumoniae R6.
  • MMP-2 and MMP-9 release into the culture medium was measured.

Main Results:

  • Treatment with heat-inactivated S. pneumoniae significantly increased MMP-2 release from both aortic and brain capillary endothelial cells.
  • No significant effect on MMP-9 release was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Heat-inactivated S. pneumoniae stimulates MMP-2 release from endothelial cells.
  • This finding may elucidate a pathogenic mechanism in diseases involving S. pneumoniae and endothelial dysfunction.

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