A nutrient mixture reduces the expression of matrix metalloproteinases in an animal model of spinal cord injury by modulating matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 promoter activities.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine whether a novel nutrient mixture (NM), composed of lysine, ascorbic acid, proline, green tea extracts and other micronutrients, attenuates impairments induced by spinal cord injury (SCI) and to investigate the related molecular mechanisms. A mouse model of SCI was established. Thirty-two mice were divided into four groups. The sham group received vehicle only. The SCI groups were treated orally with saline (saline group), a low dose (500 μg 3 times/day) of NM (NM-LD group) or a high dose (2,000 μg 3 times/day) of NM (NM-HD group). The levels of mouse hindlimb movement were determined every day in the first week post-surgery. The protein expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were determined by western blotting. Wild-type and mutant MMP

SUBMITTER: Zhang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4218658 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature