Urokinase plasminogen activator stimulates function of active forms of stromelysin and gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in cirrhotic tissue.

Background: The authors' previous data support the notion that adenoviral-driven urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) expression results in reversion of experimental liver cirrhosis. The specific aim of the present study was to decipher the mechanisms involved in the regulation by endogenous/gene-delivered u-PA of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and related proteins engaged in degradation of excessive hepatic connective tissue.

Methods: Tissue slices from cirrhotic rat livers were incubated with u-PA-rich supernatants from 24-h-cultured hepatic stellate cells (HSC).