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Updated: Oct 19, 2025

Bacterial Expression and Purification of Human Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 using Affinity Chromatography
Published on: March 30, 2022
Increasing of matrix metalloproteinase 3 in bovine endometritis
Shidong Zhang1, Dongsheng Wang1, Zuoting Yan2
1Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of CAAS, Lanzhou, 730050, PR China.
Abstract:
Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), a key member of the MMPs family, is involved in the modulation of endometrial inflammation and innate immunity. However, the role of MMP3 in bovine endometritis remains unknown. To investigate the role of MMP3 in bovine endometritis, endometrial MMP3 expression were determined in uterine biopsies from twenty 40-60 days postpartum dairy cows, which six were healthy cows and fourteen were endometritic cows. Moreover, MMP3 expression were also detected at different intensity of inflammatory response, which was induced by graded concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10 μg/ml) of LPS in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs) in vitro. RT-qPCR was used to test the mRNA levels of MMP3 in tissues or cells. Western blot was conducted to measure protein levels, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for TNF-α and IL-1β in cell supernatant. Results showed that MMP3 mRNA and protein levels significantly increased and positive correlative with severity of endometritis in vivo. Likewise, MMP3 expression also positive correlative with intensity of LPS inflammatory response in BEECs in vitro. These results indicate that increasing of MMP3 directly correlates with bovine endometritis, and its increasing may contribute to progression of bovine endometritis.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) levels rise with bovine endometritis severity. This study found increased MMP3 in cows and cells with inflammation, suggesting MMP3 contributes to this uterine disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) influences endometrial inflammation and innate immunity.
- The specific role of MMP3 in bovine endometritis is not yet understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and role of MMP3 in bovine endometritis.
- To determine the correlation between MMP3 levels and the severity of endometritis in vivo and in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Assessed MMP3 mRNA and protein levels in uterine biopsies from postpartum dairy cows (healthy and endometritic).
- Induced inflammatory responses in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs) using lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
- Quantified MMP3 expression via RT-qPCR and Western blot; measured inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) using ELISA.
Main Results:
- MMP3 mRNA and protein levels were significantly elevated in endometritic cows compared to healthy controls.
- MMP3 expression showed a positive correlation with the severity of endometritis in vivo.
- In vitro, MMP3 expression increased in BEECs in response to LPS, correlating with inflammatory intensity.
Conclusions:
- Elevated MMP3 expression is directly associated with bovine endometritis.
- Increased MMP3 may play a role in the progression of bovine endometritis.
- MMP3 is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for bovine endometritis.

