BMP-7 Antagonizes TGF-β1-induced Expression of Matrix Metalloproteases in Mesangial Cells

Objective To investigate the effects of bone morphogenetic protein-7(BMP-7) on the expression of matrix metalloprotease 2(MMP2) and matrix metalloprotease 9(MMP9) induecd by transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) in mesangial cells. Methods The cultured mesangial cells were divided into 4 groups: normal control group(NC group),BMP-7 group,TGF-β1 group,combined BMP-7 and TGF-β1 treated group(BT group).The levels of MMP2,MMP9,tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1(TIMP1),collagen type IV(col IV) and fibronectin(FN) were determined in cultured supernatant by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and Western blot were used to analyse the assay mRNA and protein expressions of MMP2 and MMP9 respectively. Results The levels of MMP2,MMP9,TIMP1,Col Ⅳ,FN and the mRNA and protein expressions of MMP2 and MMP9 were not significantly different between NC group and BMP-7 group.Compared with NC group and BMP-7 group,the levels and the mRNA and protein expression of MMP2,MMP9 were decreased,and the levels of TIMP1,Col Ⅳ,FN were increased in TGF-β1 group.Compared with TGF-β1 group,the levels and the mRNA and protein expression of MMP2,MMP9 were enhanced,the levels of TIMP1,Col Ⅳ,FN were decreased in BT group. Conclusion BMP-7 can antagonize TGF-β1-induced reduction of MMP2 and MMP9 expression and excretion in mesangial cells,and partly inhibit the accumulation of extracellular matrix to exert the renoprotective effect.