OBJECTIVES: Accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and increased matrix-metalloprotease (MMPs) activity are hallmarks of fibrosis. We developed an ELISA for quantification of MMP-9 derived collagen type III (CO3) degradation.
DESIGN AND METHODS: A monoclonal antibody targeting a specific MMP-9 cleaved fragment of CO3 was used for development of a competitive ELISA. The assay was investigated in serum and tissues from bile duct ligated rats (BDL).
RESULTS: The ELISA showed no cross-reaction with either intact CO3, or other collagens. The intra- and inter-assay CV were below 10%. Liver fibrosis was demonstrated in BDL animals by semi quantitative scoring (P\u003c0.0001). Serum levels of CO3-610 increased 2.5 fold in BDL animals (P\u003c0.001). The CO3-610 levels were 5 fold higher in ex vivo cultures of fibrotic livers compared to controls (P\u003c0.001).
CONCLUSION: We have developed a novel ELISA for measuring a specific fragment CO3 generated by MMP-9 important in pathogenesis of liver fibrosis.
July 10, 2010
Journal:
Clin Biochem
Author:
Barascuk N, Veidal SS, Larsen L, Larsen DV, Larsen MR, Wang J, Zheng Q, Xing R, Cao Y, Rasmussen LM, Karsdal MA
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