Stress-related modulation of matrix metalloproteinase expression

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), whose expression can be controlled by cytokines, play a role in extracellular matrix remodeling in physiological and pathological processes. Using a blister chamber wound model on UV-B-exposed human forearm skin, we examined whether stress or mood-associated neuroendocrine alteration is sufficient to modulate MMP and TIMP expression. We did not find evidence that depressive symptoms were reliably associated with modulation of either MMP or TIMP expression. However, we did find that activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and sympathetic-adrenal medullary (SAM) axes can modulate levels of MMPs. A positive association between plasma norepinephrine levels and MMP-2 protein levels, and a negative correlation between plasma cortisol levels and MMP-2 levels were found. The data suggest that activation of the HPA and SAM axes, even in individuals within the normal range of depressive symptoms, could mediate MMP levels and wound healing in blister wounds.