Urinary mitochondrial DNA associates with delayed graft function following renal transplantation.

Background: Ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is an important determinant of delayed graft function (DGF) affecting allograft function. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is released upon cell death and platelet activation into the extracellular environment and has been suggested to be a biomarker in several diseases. Whether extracellular mtDNA accumulates in plasma and/or urine upon renal IR and predisposes DGF is unknown.

The role of Toll-like receptor 2 in inflammation and fibrosis during progressive renal injury.

Tissue fibrosis and chronic inflammation are common causes of progressive organ damage, including progressive renal disease, leading to loss of physiological functions. Recently, it was shown that Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is expressed in the kidney and activated by endogenous danger signals. The expression and function of TLR2 during renal fibrosis and chronic inflammation has however not yet been elucidated.

Matrix metalloproteinase 2 is associated with stable and matrix metalloproteinases 8 and 9 with vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic lesions: a study in human endarterectomy specimen pointing to a role for different extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer glycosylation forms.

Background And Purpose: We studied matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2, 8, and 9 and extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) levels in relation to carotid atherosclerotic plaque characteristics.

Methods: Carotid atherosclerotic plaques (n=150) were stained and analyzed for the presence of collagen, smooth muscle cell (SMC), and macrophages. Adjacent segments were used to isolate total protein to assess MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities and gelatin breakdown, MMP-8 activity, and EMMPRIN levels.

Involvement of furin-like proprotein convertases in the arterial response to injury.

Background: Furin-like proprotein convertases (PCs) are proteolytic activators of proproteins, like membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), that are described in the arterial response to injury. However, the involvement of furin-like PCs in the arterial response to injury has not been studied yet. We studied furin, MT1-MMP, MMP levels and TGF-beta signaling after arterial injury.