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Updated: Aug 27, 2025
Detection of Functional Matrix Metalloproteinases by Zymography
Published on: November 8, 2010
Photobiomodulation effects in metalloproteinases expression in zymosan-induced arthritis
Lucia Mara Januário Dos Anjos1, Anna Cecília Quirino-Teixeira2, Eugenio Damasceno Hottz2
1Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, S/N-Campus Universitário, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, 36036900, Brazil.
Abstract:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in the degenerative course of rheumatic disorders. They are responsible for cartilage and other joint-associated tissues breakdown. Amid arthritis treatments, photobiostimulation (PBM), a non-thermal and non-invasive low-power laser application, appears to be an outstanding therapy alternative once it has succeeded in MMPs modulation. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the PBM effects of low infrared laser (830 nm), testing two different energy densities (3 and 30 Jcm-2) in MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, and MMP-14 as well as the inhibitor TIMP-2 expressions using zymosan-induced arthritis model. C57BL/6 mice were distributed into four groups (n = 8): zymosan-induced arthritis without treatment; zymosan-induced arthritis and dexamethasone-treated; zymosan-induced arthritis and PBM at energy density of 3 Jcm-2 treated; and zymosan-induced arthritis and PBM at energy density of 30 Jcm-2 treated. MMPs and TIMP-2 mRNA relative levels by qRT-PCR and proteins expression by immunohistochemical and Western blotting techniques were performed after PBM treatment in the inflamed joint. Our results demonstrated PBM could modulate both mRNA relative levels and proteins expression of the MMP-2, -9, -13, -14, and TIMP-2 in joint tissues, decreasing MMP-9 protein expression and increasing TIMP-2 protein expression. PBM promotes a better arthritis prognostic, modulating metalloproteinase and its inhibitor, especially MMP-9 and TIMP-2 protein expression that is important inflammatory markers. These findings may also corroborate that PBM may regulate MMPs expression using different pathways.
Insights
Photobiostimulation (PBM) therapy modulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitor TIMP-2 in arthritis. This laser treatment shows promise for improving arthritis prognosis by regulating key inflammatory markers like MMP-9 and TIMP-2.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rheumatology
- Laser Therapy
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key drivers of cartilage and joint tissue degradation in rheumatic disorders.
- Photobiostimulation (PBM), a non-invasive laser therapy, has shown potential in modulating MMPs for arthritis treatment.
- Understanding PBM's specific effects on MMPs and their inhibitors is crucial for developing effective arthritis therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of low-level infrared laser (830 nm) photobiostimulation (PBM) on MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, and MMP-14, and TIMP-2 expression in a zymosan-induced arthritis model.
- To compare the efficacy of two different PBM energy densities (3 Jcm⁻² and 30 Jcm⁻²) in modulating these target molecules.
- To assess PBM's potential as an alternative therapeutic strategy for rheumatic disorders.
Main Methods:
- A zymosan-induced arthritis mouse model was used, with groups receiving no treatment, dexamethasone, or PBM at 3 Jcm⁻² or 30 Jcm⁻².
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of MMPs and TIMP-2 were quantified using qRT-PCR.
- Protein expression of MMPs and TIMP-2 was analyzed via immunohistochemical and Western blotting techniques in inflamed joint tissues.
Main Results:
- Photobiostimulation modulated both mRNA and protein expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, MMP-14, and TIMP-2 in joint tissues.
- Specifically, PBM treatment led to decreased MMP-9 protein expression and increased TIMP-2 protein expression.
- These modulations suggest a beneficial effect of PBM on the inflammatory process in arthritis.
Conclusions:
- Photobiostimulation (PBM) effectively modulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitor TIMP-2 in an arthritis model.
- PBM demonstrates potential for improving arthritis prognosis by regulating key inflammatory markers, particularly MMP-9 and TIMP-2 protein levels.
- The findings suggest PBM may influence MMP expression through various regulatory pathways, warranting further investigation.
