Abstract |
The matrix metalloproteinases ( MMPs) are important enzymes that regulate developmental processes, maintain normal physiology in adulthood and have reparative roles at specific stages after an insult to the nervous system. MMPs, particularly MMP-9/ gelatinase B, promote early inflammation and barrier disruption after spinal cord injury (SCI). Recently, we have reported that the pineal secretory product melatonin exerts important anti-inflammatory effects in an experimental model of SCI induced by the application of vascular clips (force of 24 g) to the dura after a four-level T5-T8 laminectomy. However, no reports are available on the relationship between the activity of MMPs and melatonin's anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the protective effect of melatonin observed in SCI is related to the regulation of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in mice. Biochemical and zymographic methods were used to analyze MMP-9 and -2 expression and activities in spinal cord tissue from SCI-treated mice at 24 hr after the trauma. Our studies reveal that melatonin reduced SCI and lipid peroxidation in spinal cord at 24 hr after SCI. Melatonin also diminished proMMP-9 and -2 activities that were induced in the spinal cord tissues at 24 hr after SCI. The reduced activities of MMP-9 and -2 were associated with depressed expression of TNF-alpha. We propose that melatonin's ability to reduce SCI in mice is also related to a reduction in MMP-9 and MMP-2 activity and expression.
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Authors | Emanuela Esposito, Tiziana Genovese, Rocco Caminiti, Placido Bramanti, Rosaria Meli, Salvatore Cuzzocrea |
Journal | Journal of pineal research
(J Pineal Res)
Vol. 45
Issue 2
Pg. 149-56
(Sep 2008)
ISSN: 1600-079X [Electronic] England |
PMID | 18298463
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Central Nervous System Depressants
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
- Matrix Metalloproteinases
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 9
- Melatonin
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Topics |
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Central Nervous System Depressants
(pharmacology)
- Lipid Peroxidation
(drug effects)
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
(metabolism)
- Matrix Metalloproteinase 9
(metabolism)
- Matrix Metalloproteinases
(metabolism)
- Melatonin
(pharmacology)
- Mice
- Spinal Cord Injuries
(metabolism, prevention & control)
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
(metabolism)
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