Matrix metalloproteinase expression in cytokine stimulated human dermal fibroblasts

In this study, we investigated the effect of inflammatory cytokines on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1) and TIMP-1 production in human dermal fibroblasts, which play a pivotal role in wound healing, ranging from the synthesis and remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) to the synthesis of growth factors. The balance of MMPs and TIMPs is crucial in directing successful wound repair. Human adult dermal fibroblasts were seeded in six well plates (7.5×10⁴ cells/ml) in complete media. Eighty to ninety percent confluent cells were treated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (10ng/ml) for 6h in serum free media with suitable controls run in triplicate. Supernatants were assayed for pro-MMP-1 & TIMP-1. Extracted total RNA was used for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with sequence specific primers for MMP-1, TIMP-1 and β-actin. Signal intensity was normalized to the internal control (β-actin). Statistical analysis used ANOVA. MMP-1 and TIMP-1 mRNA expression were markedly increased with IL-6 and TNF-α treatment and remains unchanged with IL-1β. Pro-MMP-1 protein levels are unchanged with TNF-α and significantly increased with IL-1β and IL-6 treatment. However, TNF-α significantly increases TIMP-1 protein levels. Data suggests differential regulation of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 protein levels by the cytokines found in stimulated dermal fibroblasts. Further characterization of this response will provide an understanding of the mechanisms of pathogenesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the potential role of metalloproteinases in tissue remodeling after injury.