rhCD40L induces expression of matrix metalloproteinases in cultured U937 cells by cyclooxygenase-2 pathway

AIM: To evaluate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression induced by rhCD40L in cultured U937 cell and possible effects of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). METHODS: U937 cells were treated with rhCD40L and NS-398 in different concentrations, respectively, and on the basis of the treatment with rhCD40L, U937 cells were cocultured with NS-398 and aspirin. The supernatant of the U937 cells cultures was collected. Zymography was performed by SDS-PAGE in 10% gels containing 0.1% (w/v) gelatin (denatured collagen) at 4℃. The activities of MMPs were detected by the grey level of the band. RESULTS: rhCD40L increased the activity of MMPs in a dose-dependent manner, whereas NS-398 significantly inhibited the activity of MMPs. NS-398 significantly inhibited the activity of MMPs induced by rhCD40L. CONCLUSION: rhCD40L can induce U937 cells to secrete MMPs in a dose-dependent manner, which may be related to COX-2 pathway.