Related Experiment Videos
Collagenase in Sjögren's syndrome
Y T Konttinen1, P Kangaspunta, O Lindy
1Department of Anatomy, Helsinki University, Finland.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Sjögren's syndrome patients show increased fibroblast collagenase in salivary glands and saliva, potentially damaging tissue. This enzyme is not inhibited by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP).
Area of Science:
- Oral Medicine
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease targeting exocrine glands.
- Collagenase activity in salivary glands of SS patients is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate collagenase production and activity in labial salivary glands and saliva of patients with Sjögren's syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry localized collagenases in salivary glands.
- Enzyme activity assays measured collagenase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) in saliva.
Main Results:
- Increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 type collagenase in SS labial salivary glands compared to healthy controls.
- Functional MMP-1 collagenase detected in SS saliva, but not in healthy saliva.
- TIMP was present in saliva from both SS patients and healthy individuals.
Conclusions:
- Fibroblast-derived collagenase (MMP-1) is synthesized, secreted, and activated in SS labial salivary glands and saliva.
- This collagenase is not inhibited by TIMP in SS patients.
- Elevated collagenase activity may contribute to salivary gland and duct tissue destruction in Sjögren's syndrome.