Nitric oxide regulates matrix metalloprotease-13 expression and activity in endothelium

Background. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are synthesized in response to diverse stimuli including cytokines, growth factors, hormones, and oxidative stress. Methods, Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) were stimulated with nitric oxide (NO) and MMP-13 expression and activity was assayed. Results. NO transcriptionally regulated matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) expression in BAEC, while the cGMP analog 8Br-cGMP mimicked the effect of NO. In addition NO also stimulated the proteolytic processing of MMP-13 from the pro-enzyme to the final active form in a dose dependent manner. Conclusion. NO transcriptionally regulates MMP expression and activity in the vascular endothelium. This effect of NO may be of pathophysiological importance in the context of angiogenesis, inflammation or atherogenesis.