Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer in interstitial pneumonias

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Published on: December 21, 2014

Nao Odajima1, Tomoko Betsuyaku, Yasuyuki Nasuhara

  • 1First Department of Medicine, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan.

Human Pathology
|July 27, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) is elevated in interstitial pneumonias (IPs), suggesting its role in lung epithelial repair. EMMPRIN expression correlates with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in abnormal lung cells.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) is minimally expressed in normal adult lungs but upregulated in lung injury.
  • EMMPRIN is a transmembrane protein that induces matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine EMMPRIN expression and its association with MMPs in interstitial pneumonias (IPs).
  • To investigate the role of EMMPRIN in lung epithelial repair in IPs.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to assess EMMPRIN and MMP expression in lung tissues from 22 IP patients and 14 controls.
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed to measure soluble EMMPRIN levels in BAL fluid.
  • Protein staining intensity was scored, and soluble EMMPRIN was quantified using ELISA.

Main Results:

  • EMMPRIN was prominently expressed in abnormal epithelial cells in IPs, particularly in hyperplastic type II cells.
  • Soluble EMMPRIN levels were elevated in BAL fluid from IP patients compared to controls.
  • MMPs (MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9) were expressed in EMMPRIN-positive cells, with varying profiles depending on the epithelial cell type.

Conclusions:

  • EMMPRIN is upregulated in interstitial pneumonias and found in abnormal lung epithelial cells.
  • The presence of EMMPRIN and its associated MMPs suggests a role in the reepithelialization process in IPs.

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