Dynamic expression of matrix metalloproteinase and the effect of sodium aescine in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage

Objective To observe the relationship between dynamic expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 protein and water contents in perihematoma, and the effect of sodium aescine in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH). Methods 250 Wistar rats were assigned randomly to four groups: normal control group (10 rats), sham operation group (80 rats), ICH group (80 rats) and sodium aescine treating group (80 rats). The water contents in perihematom and the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein were measured respectively at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 120 h, 7 d and 15 d after operation in each group. Results Neurological function deficit in sodium aescine treating group was improved compared with ICH group in 6 h~7 d (P0.01~0.05). The water contents in perihematoma in treating group were reduced than in ICH group at 6 h~120 h (P0.01~0.05). The expression of MMP-2 protein in ICH group peaked at 6 h, and decreased at 12 h, it was significantly different from normal control group (all P0.01). The expression of MMP-2 protein in treating group was reduced than in ICH group at different time point (all P0.01), and the expression of MMP-9 protein increased at 6 h, peaked at 24 h~48 h, and decreased at 72 h, the change had statistic significance compared with normal control group (all P0.01). These expressions of MMP-9 protein were positively correlated with water contents in perihematoma (r=0.949, P0.05). The expression of MMP-9 protein in treating group was reduced than in ICH group at different time point (all P0.01). Conclusions The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein plays important roles in the brain edema at early and middle period after ICH. Sodium aescine may reduce the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein and decrease water contents in perihematoma. This drug may have protective effect to ICH.