Adiponectin inhibits oxidized low density lipoprotein-induced increase in matrix metalloproteinase ۹ expression in vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND: High expression of matrix metalloproteinase ۹ (MMP۹) during vascular injury and inflammation plays an important role in atherosclerotic plaque formation and rupture. In the process of atherosclerosis, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) upregulates MMP۹ in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HA/VSMCs). Adiponectin is an adipose tissue-derived hormone that has been shown to exert anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adiponectin on MMP۹ expression under pathogenic condition created by oxLDL in HA/VSMCs. METHODS: In this experimental study, HA/VSMC were stimulated with oxLDL alone and in the presence of adiponectin for ۲۴ and ۴۸ h. The expression of MMP۹ gene was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction method. The protein level of this gene was investigated by western blotting technique. RESULTS: An oxLDL increased MMP۹ expression ۲.۱۶ ± ۰.۲۴- and ۳.۳۲ ± ۰.۲۵-fold after ۲۴ and ۴۸ h, respectively and adiponectin decreased oxLDL-induced MMP۹ expression in a time-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: These results show that adiponectin changes extracellular matrix by reducing MMP۹ mRNA and protein, therefore, may stabilize lesions and reduce atheroma rupture. 

Keywords:

Matrix Metalloproteinase ۹ , Adiponectin , Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein