Background/aims: Resolution of liver fibrosis is possible but the identity of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which degrade the accumulated collagens is uncertain. We examined MMP-2 and MMP-14 expression in established and resolving fibrosis to assess their role in resolution of liver fibrosis.
Methods: MMP and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 expression in liver extracts was examined by ribonuclease protection assay, Western blotting and gelatin zymography. MMP activity was examined by (14)C gelatin degradation.
Results: In human cirrhotic liver, MMP-14 mRNA was increased to 230-330% of normal liver expression. Both 63 kDa proenzyme and 60 kDa activated form were present. Cirrhotic livers had 270-320% of normal liver expression of MMP-2 protein with 20-25% being the 62 Da activated form. Protein and mRNA for MMP-2 and MMP-14 progressively increased during 8 weeks of CCl(4) treatment in rats. Between 3 and 7 days of resolution from CCl(4) liver fibrosis, MMP-2 and MMP-14 persisted at elevated levels. Gelatinolytic activity in liver homogenates peaked at 7 days of recovery, being 140% above that in livers at peak fibrosis.
Conclusions: Increased expression and activation of MMP-2 and -14 occurs even under conditions of elevated TIMPs during liver fibrogenesis. During liver fibrosis resolution, as TIMP expression decays, the persistence of MMP-2 and MMP-14 may permit collagen degradation.