Abstract
The vitreous is a gel-like connective tissue that undergoes liquefaction during aging and pathological processes. We isolated and characterized a degradative enzyme from the vitreous of different species and identified it to be matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). This enzyme was found in a latent form and may be associated with endogenous inhibitors. Vitreous isolated from both non-diabetic and diabetic patients contained MMP-2 in the same concentrations. However, the diabetic samples had an additional gelatinase activity at 92 kDa which may be associated with a compromised vasculature. These results suggest that the normal human vitreous contains an endogenous MMP and the appearance of an additional activity is associated with pathologic conditions.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Aged
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Aged, 80 and over
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Collagenases / analysis
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Diabetic Retinopathy / enzymology
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Diabetic Retinopathy / surgery
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Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
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Enzyme Activation / drug effects
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Gelatinases / analysis*
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Gelatinases / isolation & purification
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Gelatinases / metabolism
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Humans
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Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
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Matrix Metalloproteinase 9
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Metalloendopeptidases / analysis*
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Metalloendopeptidases / isolation & purification
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Metalloendopeptidases / metabolism
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Middle Aged
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Molecular Weight
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Phenylmercuric Acetate / analogs & derivatives
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Phenylmercuric Acetate / pharmacology
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Vitrectomy
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Vitreous Body / enzymology*
Substances
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4-aminophenylmercuriacetate
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Collagenases
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Gelatinases
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Metalloendopeptidases
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Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
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Matrix Metalloproteinase 9
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Phenylmercuric Acetate