Meprin-α (Mep1A) enhances TNF-α secretion by mast cells and aggravates abdominal aortic aneurysms.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Abdominal aorticaneurysm (AAA) rupture is mainly due to elastic lamina degradation. As a metalloendopeptidase, meprin-α (Mep1A) critically modulates the activity of proteins and inflammatory cytokines in various diseases. Here, we sought to investigate the functional role of Mep1A in AAA formation and rupture.

Experimental approach

AAA tissues were detected by using real-time PCR (RT-PCR), western blotting (WB), and immunohistochemistry. Further mechanistic studies used RT-PCR, WB, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Key results

Mep1A mediated AAA formation by regulating the mast cell (MC) secretion of TNF-α, which promoted matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and apoptosis in smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Importantly, increased Mep1A exp

SUBMITTER: Gao R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7236073 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature