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Detection of Functional Matrix Metalloproteinases by Zymography
09:30

Detection of Functional Matrix Metalloproteinases by Zymography

Published on: November 8, 2010

Glomerular distribution and gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases in human glomerulonephritis

Maki Urushihara1, Shoji Kagami, Takashi Kuhara

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan.

Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation : Official Publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association
|July 10, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is significantly elevated in human glomerulonephritis (GN), correlating with mesangial cell proliferation. MMP-2 levels were not significantly altered, indicating MMP-9

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Immunopathology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in glomerular injury in experimental models of glomerulonephritis (GN).
  • The specific role of MMPs in human GN pathogenesis remains largely uncharacterized.
  • This study investigates the distribution and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human GN.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the significance of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the development of human GN.
  • To determine the glomerular localization and gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in various forms of human GN.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was performed on renal biopsy specimens from patients with various types of GN and normal controls.
  • Antibodies against MMP-2 and MMP-9 were used to assess protein expression.
  • Gelatin zymography was employed to analyze the enzymatic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in isolated glomeruli.

Main Results:

  • MMP-2 immunoreactivity was not detected in normal glomeruli or in any GN subtypes.
  • MMP-9 staining and gelatinolytic activity were significantly increased in nephritic glomeruli, particularly in mesangial proliferative GN and diabetic nephropathy.
  • MMP-9 colocalized with neutrophils in acute poststreptococcal GN, suggesting a role in inflammatory cell infiltration.

Conclusions:

  • MMP-9 is upregulated in human GN and is strongly associated with mesangial proliferative changes.
  • The findings highlight MMP-9 as a key mediator in the pathogenesis of human GN.
  • MMP-2 does not appear to play a significant role in the studied forms of human GN.

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