Differential regulation of glomerular gelatinase B (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in obese Zucker rats.

The obese Zucker rat represents a model of obesity combined with insulin resistance and hyperlipidaemia, which over a period of several months develops spontaneous glomerulosclerosis. The present study addressed the question as to whether glomerular sclerosis was associated with alterations in the degradation of matrix components. In the early phase (up to 6 months) glomeruli from obese rats displayed increased total collagen content (+64%) and decreased gelatinolytic activity (-34%) as compared to lean control animals. This decline in glomerular gelatinolytic activity was due to a reduction in gelatinase B [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9]. Glomerular MMP-9 mRNA was reduced 4.6 +/- 0.6-fold (n = 3; p < 0.05), MMP-9 protein was not detectable by Western blotting and MMP-9 activity was considerably suppressed in gelatin zymograms. MMP-2, in terms of mRNA expression and activity, was unchanged. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 mRNA expression, TIMP-1 protein (immunohistochemistry) and TIMP-1 activity (reverse zymography) were enhanced in glomeruli from obese rats, while TIMP-2 mRNA remained unchanged. Moreover, mRNA for the alpha 1 IV collagen chain was 2.1 +/- 0.8-fold higher in glomeruli isolated from obese animals (n = 3; p < 0.05). These findings indicate that matrix expansion in glomeruli from obese Zucker rats is due to both enhanced synthesis of matrix components as well as reduced degradation by matrix metalloproteinases. Apparently the latter effect is based on a reduction in MMP-9 and up-regulation of its inhibitor TIMP-1.