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Published on: January 7, 2020
Activation of the adenosine-A3 receptor stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-9 secretion by macrophages
Emilie Velot1, Benjamin Haas, Frédérique Léonard
1Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, CRP-Santé, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
Aims:
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays an important role in ventricular remodelling after acute myocardial infarction (MI). The cardioprotectant adenosine (Ado) may be involved in ventricular remodelling. We have shown that Ado inhibits the secretion of MMP-9 by human neutrophils. This study investigated the effect of Ado on MMP-9 production by human macrophages.
Methods And Results:
Cells used in this study were monocytes of healthy volunteers, a human monocyte cell line, and leukocytes from patients following MI. Monocytes were differentiated into macrophages and treated with Ado. Ado enhanced MMP-9 secretion by human macrophages in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Increasing the level of endogenous Ado by inhibition of Ado deaminase or Ado transferase also increased MMP-9 secretion. Ado enhanced MMP-9 production when macrophages were activated by hypoxia or Toll-like receptor-4 ligands such as lipopolysaccharide, hyaluronan, and heparan sulfate. The effect of Ado was replicated by the A3 agonist IB-MECA and inhibited by silencing the A3 receptor. Ado improved monocyte capacity to migrate through a matrix of gelatin B, and this effect was blocked by inhibition of MMP-9 activity. The chemotactic capacity of macrophages was reduced by Ado through a loss of expression of the monocyte chemotactic protein-1 receptor. Finally, MMP-9 expression was higher in blood cells from patients with acute MI compared with healthy volunteers.
Conclusion:
Adenosine activates MMP-9 secretion by macrophages through its A3 receptor. The effect is in contrast to that observed in neutrophils, where Ado inhibits MMP-9 secretion by the A2a receptor. These observations may have important implications for therapeutic strategies targeting Ado receptors in the setting of MI.
Insights
Adenosine (Ado) boosts matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) secretion in macrophages via the A3 receptor, contrasting its effect on neutrophils. This finding is crucial for understanding myocardial infarction (MI) and developing targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Immunology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is implicated in ventricular remodeling post-myocardial infarction (MI).
- Adenosine (Ado), a cardioprotectant, may influence ventricular remodeling.
- Previous studies show Ado inhibits MMP-9 secretion in human neutrophils.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of adenosine on MMP-9 production in human macrophages.
- To elucidate the receptor mechanism underlying adenosine's action on MMP-9 in macrophages.
Main Methods:
- Human monocytes and a monocyte cell line were differentiated into macrophages.
- Macrophages were treated with adenosine and activated by hypoxia or Toll-like receptor-4 ligands.
- Adenosine receptor subtypes were manipulated using agonists, antagonists, and silencing techniques.
Main Results:
- Adenosine dose- and time-dependently enhanced MMP-9 secretion by macrophages.
- Increased endogenous adenosine also elevated MMP-9 secretion.
- Adenosine-mediated enhancement of MMP-9 was linked to the A3 receptor.
- Adenosine improved monocyte migration, an effect dependent on MMP-9 activity.
- MMP-9 expression was elevated in blood cells from acute MI patients.
Conclusions:
- Adenosine stimulates MMP-9 secretion in macrophages via the A3 receptor.
- This contrasts with adenosine's inhibitory effect on MMP-9 in neutrophils (via A2a receptor).
- Findings suggest potential therapeutic strategies targeting adenosine receptors in MI.
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