Background: Burns induce microvascular hyperpermeability. We hypothesize that this occurs partly through an imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and endogenous MMP inhibitors such as tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and that such derangements can be attenuated with the use of TIMP-2.
Method: Rats underwent either sham or burn: serum and tissue were collected. Western blot was used to examine MMP-9 and TIMP-2 levels and MMP activity was assayed from lung tissue. Rat lung microvascular endothelial cells were used to assess monolayer permeability and evaluate the adherens junction proteins β-catenin, vascular endothelial cadherin and filamentous actin after exposure to burn serum ± TIMP-2.
Results: Lung tissue from burn animals showed increased MMP activity, decreased levels of TIMP-2, and no difference in levels of active MMP-9 in burn vs control groups. Burn serum increased monolayer permeability, damaged adherens junction proteins, and incited actin stress fiber formation; TIMP-2 attenuated these derangements.
Conclusions: Burns may lower TIMP-2 levels and increase MMP activity and that TIMP-2 application in vitro may attenuate burn-induced hyperpermeability and decreases damage to endothelial structural proteins. These links warrant further investigation.
Keywords: Burn; Hyperpermeability; MMP; Shock; TIMP; Vascular.
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