Matrix metalloproteinase-7, -8, -9, -25, and -26 and CD43, -45, and -68 cell-markers in HIV-infected patients' saliva and gingival tissue.
BACKGROUND
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) process the extracellular matrix and act in tissue remodelling in many physiological and pathological conditions. Certain MMPs can also exert protective anti-inflammatory properties. The levels and expression of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) in saliva and gingival tissues of human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive (HIV+) patients are unclear.


METHODS
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods and Western blots were used to study levels and molecular forms of MMP-7, -8, -9, -25, and -26 and TIMP-1 from salivary samples of HIV+ patients (n = 55) and healthy controls (n = 10). The expression of MMPs was also studied by immunohistochemical means in gingival tissue specimens (n = 11, HIV+ patients; n = 10, healthy controls).


RESULTS
The HIV+ patients' MMP-8 levels in saliva were statistically significantly higher only in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-phase. MMP-9 levels in ASX- and AIDS-phases showed increased expression. TIMP-1 levels were significantly decreased in lymphadenopathy syndrome (LAS)- and AIDS-related complex (ARC)-phases, while MMP-8/TIMP-1 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 molar ratios were increased in all phases in comparison with controls. The molecular forms of MMP-7, -25, and -26 were different between patients and controls as assessed by Western blot. Immunohistochemical studies showed slightly enhanced MMP-7, -8, -9, -25, and -26 staining in HIV+ gingival tissue samples in comparison with controls.


CONCLUSIONS
This study confirmed and further demonstrated differences in salivary amounts and molecular forms of MMPs and TIMP-1 in HIV+ patients. The results may reflect alterations in host defence reactions associated with HIV infection.
Mellanen
Liisa
L
Institute of Dentistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. mellanen@helsinki.fi
Lähdevirta
Juhani
J
Tervahartiala
Taina
T
Meurman
Jukka H
JH
Sorsa
Timo
T
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis*; D015214:Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic / Q000032:analysis; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D051917:Leukosialin / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000032:analysis*; D051379:Mice; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000032:analysis; D000097382:CD68 Molecule
D015703:Antigens, CD; D015214:Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens; D051917:Leukosialin; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; C067980:CD68 antigen, human; D000097382:CD68 Molecule