Expression of matrix metalloproteinases in healthy and diseased human gingiva.

Background, Aims: The aim of our study was to investigate the patterns of several metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-2 and MT1-MMP) mRNAs expression using a semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and to correlate them with clinical parameters and bacteriological diagnosis in healthy versus diseased human gingiva.

Methods: To identify the cell origin of MMP production, in situ hybridization (ISH) was also performed for the MMPs on the same samples. 17 gingival biopsies were collected (13 affected by advanced periodontitis and 4 healthy used as controls) and plaque index, gingival index, pocket depth and bleeding on probing were measured.

Detection of human papillomavirus DNA in bronchopulmonary carcinomas by hybrid capture II: a study of 185 tumors.

Background: Some human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are oncogenic in the cervix and are also associated with benign and malignant proliferations in other organs. Currently, the association of HPV with tumors of the lower respiratory tract is not so clearly defined because the studies are difficult to compare; series of cases reported from different geographic regions have used frozen or formalin fixed samples and a variety of techniques of HPV detection.

Methods: The authors studied the prevalence of HPV in a large series of 185 frozen bronchopulmonary tumor samples with a new solution hybridization technique, Hybrid Capture II assay.

Matrix-metalloproteinases in bronchopulmonary carcinomas.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) represent a group of enzymes involved in the degradation of most of the components of the extracellular matrix and therefore participate in tumoural invasion. MMPs, especially gelatinases A and B, MT1-MMP, the activator of gelatinase A, and stromelysin-3 were found overexpressed in many cancers including bronchopulmonary carcinomas. In vivo observations revealed that fibroblasts are the principal source of production of MMPs.

Expression of gelatinase A and its activator MT1-MMP in the inflammatory periprosthetic response to polyethylene.

Wear debris of polyethylene prosthetic components is known to induce a host granulomatous reaction which recruits numerous macrophages and multinucleated giant cells. By releasing cellular mediators of a nonspecific inflammatory reaction, activated phagocytic cells are thought to play a key role in osteolysis leading to aseptic loosening of the prosthesis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in this destructive process by their ability to degrade extracellular matrix components of bone and adjacent connective tissue.

Increased serum stromelysin-1 levels in systemic lupus erythematosus: lack of correlation with disease activity.

Objective: In view of evidence that stromelysin-1 and collagenase-1 are involved in tissue injury in inflammatory joint diseases, we sought to determine whether matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are implicated in the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: Seventy-three patients with SLE and 39 healthy subjects were evaluated. Serum levels of MMP and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases were measured.