Modulation of Aspirin on Gene Expression and Release of MMP-2/9 and TIMP-1 in Macrophages of Mice

Objective To investigate whether aspirin affected the MMP-2/9 and TIMP-1 gene expression and release in cultured macrophages of mice. Methods The mRNA expression of MMP-2/9 and TIMP-1 was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, while the protein level of MMP-2/9 and TIMP-1 in cultured cell supernatants was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay after mouse celiac macrophages were treated with aspirin. Results The mRNA expression and protein level of MMP-2/9 was decreased after treatment with aspirin 12.5～50 μg/ml for 24 h, the decreased percentage was 18.6%～86.8%(mRNA expression) and 37.7%～53.3% (protein level) for MMP-2, 32.1%～78.3%(mRNA expression) and 6.5%～14.3%(protein level) for MMP-9, respectively. While the mRNA expression and protein level of TIMP-1 were inversely increased, the increased percentage was 60.5%～110.9%(mRNA expression) and 94.4%～80.6% (protein level), respectively. Conclusion Aspirin can inhibit the gene expression and release of MMP-2/9, and increase the gene expression and release of TIMP-1, and the effects might be good for the stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques and prevention of cardiovascular events.