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Phagocytic NADPH oxidase-dependent superoxide production stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-9: implications for
Guillermo Zalba1, Ana Fortuño, Josune Orbe
1Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Centre for Applied Medical Research, University Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. gzalba@unav.es
Objective:
Data suggest that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has a role in atherosclerosis. The phagocytic NADPH oxidase has been also associated with atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between phagocytic NADPH oxidase and MMP-9 in human atherosclerosis.
Methods And Results:
In vitro experiments performed in human monocytes showed that NADPH oxidase activation enhanced MMP-9 secretion and activity, determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and zymography, respectively. Immunohistochemical study showed that phagocytic NADPH oxidase localized with MMP-9 in endarterectomies from patients with carotid stenosis. In addition, a positive relationship (P<0.001) was found between phagocytic NADPH oxidase-dependent superoxide production determined with lucigenin and plasma MMP-9 levels in 188 asymptomatic subjects free of overt clinical atherosclerosis. In multivariate analysis, this association remained significant after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Interestingly, subjects in the upper quartile of superoxide production exhibited the highest values of MMP-9, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, nitrotyrosine, carotid intima media thickness, and an increased presence of carotid plaques.
Conclusions:
Enhanced NADPH oxidase-dependent *O2(-) production stimulates MMP-9 in monocytes and this relationship may be relevant in the atherosclerotic process. Moreover, MMP-9 emerges as an important mediator of the phagocytic NADPH oxidase-dependent oxidative stress in atherosclerosis.
Insights
Phagocytic NADPH oxidase activation boosts matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in monocytes, a key factor in atherosclerosis. This link suggests MMP-9 mediates oxidative stress in the atherosclerotic process.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays a role in atherosclerosis.
- Phagocytic NADPH oxidase is also implicated in the development of atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between phagocytic NADPH oxidase and MMP-9 in human atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies on human monocytes using ELISA and zymography.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of carotid endarterectomies.
- Measurement of superoxide production and plasma MMP-9 levels in asymptomatic subjects.
Main Results:
- NADPH oxidase activation increased MMP-9 secretion and activity in monocytes.
- Phagocytic NADPH oxidase colocalized with MMP-9 in atherosclerotic lesions.
- A significant positive correlation was observed between NADPH oxidase activity and plasma MMP-9 levels in asymptomatic individuals.
- Higher superoxide production correlated with increased MMP-9, oxidized LDL, nitrotyrosine, and carotid atherosclerosis markers.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced NADPH oxidase activity stimulates MMP-9 production in monocytes, potentially contributing to atherosclerosis.
- MMP-9 acts as a crucial mediator of phagocytic NADPH oxidase-driven oxidative stress in the atherosclerotic process.
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