The induction of matrix metalloproteinase and cytokine expression in synovial fibroblasts stimulated with immune cell microparticles.

ABSTRACT: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by destruction of cartilage and bone that is mediated by synovial fibroblasts. To determine the mechanisms by which these cells are activated to produce matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), the effects of microparticles were investigated. Microparticles are small membrane-bound vesicles whose release from immune cells is increased during activation and apoptosis. Because microparticles occur abundantly in the synovial fluid in rheumatoid arthritis, they could represent novel stimulatory agents. Microparticles derived from T cells and monocytes strongly induced the synthesis of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13 in fibroblasts. The induction was time-dependent, with effects primarily observed after 36 h; under these conditions,

SUBMITTER: Distler JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC548330 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature