Matrix metalloproteinase-9 derived from polymorphonuclear neutrophils increases gut barrier dysfunction and bacterial

Yukio Mikami1, Ernst V Dobschütz, Olaf Sommer

  • 1Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. y-mikami@surg1.med.tohoku.ac.jp

Surgery
|January 27, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) worsen gut barrier dysfunction in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Inhibiting PMNs or MMP-9 reduces bacterial translocation, highlighting their roles in SAP pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Immunology
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • The role of polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PMNs) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP)-induced gut barrier dysfunction remains unclear.
  • This study investigated the impact of PMNs and MMP-9 on gut barrier integrity in a rat model of SAP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the contribution of PMNs and MMP-9 to gut barrier dysfunction in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting PMNs and MMP-9 in SAP.

Main Methods:

  • Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) was induced in rats using sodium taurocholate.
  • Rats were treated with anti-rat PMN serum or the MMP inhibitor BB-94 to deplete PMNs or inhibit MMP-9 activity, respectively.
  • Gut barrier function, bacterial translocation (BT), PMN transmigration, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed.

Main Results:

  • SAP significantly increased mucosal injury, PMN infiltration, MMP-9 levels, and ROS in the gut.
  • Depletion of PMNs or inhibition of MMP-9 significantly reduced gut injury and bacterial translocation (BT).
  • PMN transmigration was also reduced by PMN depletion and MMP-9 inhibition.

Conclusions:

  • PMNs play a critical role in the pathogenesis of bacterial translocation (BT) in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).
  • MMP-9 is implicated in both BT and PMN transmigration during SAP.
  • Targeting PMNs and MMP-9 shows promise for preventing gut barrier dysfunction in SAP.

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