title: Matrix metalloproteinase-7, -8, -9, -25, and -26 and CD43, -45, and -68 cell-markers in HIV-infected patients' saliva and gingival tissue.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dentistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. mellanen@helsinki.fi
authors.forename: Liisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mellanen
authors.forename: Juhani
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lähdevirta
authors.forename: Taina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tervahartiala
authors.forename: Jukka H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Meurman
authors.forename: Timo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sorsa
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: 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