Matrix metalloproteinases (
MMPs) are associated with matrix turnover in both physiological and pathological conditions. Several data indicate that
MMPs play an important role in the pathogenesis of
colitis. Various evidence has documented that the pineal secretory product
melatonin exerts an important anti-inflammatory effect in different experimental models including
colitis. However, no reports are available on the relationship between the activity and expression of
MMPs and anti-inflammatory effect of
melatonin. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether
melatonin prevents the experimental
colitis in rats by regulating MMP-9 and MMP-2 activity and expression.
Colitis was induced by intracolonic instillation of
dinitrobenzene sulphonic
acid (
DNBS). Four days after
DNBS administration, colon
TNF-alpha production was associated with colon damage. Biochemical methods and zymography were used to analyse MMP-9 and MMP-2 activities in colon tissues from
DNBS-injured rats. Our studies reveal that
melatonin prevented colon injury and lipid peroxidation in rats at 4 days after
DNBS-induced
colitis.
Melatonin also reduced
proMMP-9 and MMP-2 activities that were induced in the colon tissues by
DNBS administration. Reduced MMP-9 and MMP-2 activities were associated with reduced expression of
TNF-alpha. We conclude that
melatonin's ability to reduce
DNBS-induced colon injury in rats is related to a reduction in
proMMP-9 and MMP-2 activities and expression.