Modulation of 72-kilodalton type IV collagenase (Matrix metalloproteinase-2) by ascorbic acid in cultured human amnion-derived cells.
Extensive research has been done to investigate the effects of nutrients on placental and fetal development. It is now evident that environmental factors such as diet may exert a profound effect on gene expression during pregnancy. A low intake of vitamin C during pregnancy has been linked to a higher risk of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) because of its well-known role in collagen biosynthesis. Here we report a new effect of ascorbic acid acting as a modulator of the 72-kDa type IV collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-2; MMP-2). MMP-2 expression/activity is down-regulated by vitamin C in human amnion cultured cells. The regulatory effect is exerted at the transcriptional level and is specific for MMP-2. Matrix metalloproteinases are implicated in tissue remodeling, and our results allow us to suggest a molecular mechanism that relates poor availability of vitamin C during pregnancy and the development of PROM.
Nutrition Research Department,Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia, 14000 Mexico, D.F., Mexico.
F
F
Pfeffer
E
E
Casanueva
J
J
Kamar
A
A
Guerra
O
O
Perichart
F
F
Vadillo-Ortega
D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005780:Gelatin / Q000378:metabolism; D018093:Gelatinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D005780:Gelatin; D018093:Gelatinases; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D001205:Ascorbic Acid