Borrelia spirochetes upregulate release and activation of matrix metalloproteinase gelatinase B [MMP-9] and collagenase 1 (MMP-1) in human cells.
Gebbia JA, Coleman JL, Benach JL.
Department of Pathology, Center for Infectious Diseases, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA.
Plasmin stabilized on the surface of the Lyme disease spirochete was shown to activate pro-MMP-9 to its active form. This active form was also observed in the plasma of mice infected with a relapsing fever borrelia.
These results suggest that borreliae can upregulate MMPs and possibly mediate an activation cascade initiated by plasmin bound to the microbial surface.
MMPs may play a role in dissemination of the Lyme disease spirochete and in the pathogenesis of Borrelia infection.
Cerebrospinal fluid and serum levels and intrathecal production of active matrix metalloproteinase-9 MMP-9 as markers of disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Fainardi E, Castellazzi M, Bellini T, Manfrinato MC, Baldi E, Casetta I, Paolino E, Granieri E, Dallocchio F.
Multiple Sclerosis Center, Section of Neurology, University of Ferrara, Arcispedale S. Anna, Corso della Giovecca 203, Ferrara 1-44100, Italy. [email protected]
Altogether, these findings suggest that a shift in MMP-9/TIMP-1 balance towards proteolytic activity of MMP-9 could be relevant in MS immune dysregulation. In addition, our results indicate that CSF and serum levels of active MMP-9 may represent a potential surrogate biomarker for monitoring MS disease activity.
In particular, serum active MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio seems to be a very appropriate indicator of ongoing MS inflammation, since it is easily measurable.
PMID: 16764342 PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE
Posts: 1632 | From Northern Wisconsin | Registered: Jan 2005
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posted
I had heard of this MMP connection but never had documentation---Thanks. These are the kind of connections that researchers need to make, but seldom do.
Posts: 554 | From Naples, Italy | Registered: Jun 2006
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