title: Contribution of matrix metalloproteinase 2 to joint destruction in group B Streptococcus-induced murine arthritis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the role of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) in the evolution of septic arthritis induced by group B streptococci (GBS) in mice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mice deficient in MMP-2 (MMP-2(-/-) ) and wild-type controls were injected intravenously with 1 × 10(7)  colony-forming units of type IV GBS (strain 1/82). Levels of MMP-2, mortality rates, evolution of arthritis, bacterial clearance, joint histopathologic features, and production of cytokines and chemokines were examined in both experimental groups of mice on days 3, 6, and 9 after infection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MMP-2 was produced during GBS infection. Disruption of the gene for MMP-2 resulted in a decrease in the incidence and severity of arthritis, as demonstrated by both clinical and histologic findings, without affecting mortality rates. Amelioration of arthritis was accompanied by a dramatic reduction in the local production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α), and MIP-2 and a reduced bacterial burden.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MMP-2, produced early during GBS infection in mice, is involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix components at the level of the joint. This degradation is the first step in a cascade of events (joint invasion by GBS, extravasation and accumulation of inflammatory cells, proinflammatory cytokine production), all of which contribute to the damage of articular tissue. Thus, MMP-2 should be regarded as a potential therapeutic target in GBS-induced arthritis.
authors: University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
authors: Manuela
authors: M
authors: Puliti
authors: Stefania
authors: S
authors: Momi
authors: Emanuela
authors: E
authors: Falcinelli
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Gresele
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Bistoni
authors: Luciana
authors: L
authors: Tissi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001169:Arthritis, Experimental / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D053583:Interleukin-1beta / Q000378:metabolism; D007596:Joints / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae
chemical_list: D053583:Interleukin-1beta; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2