Matrix metalloproteinase expression in cultured human gastric wall fibroblasts - interactions with Helicobacter pylori isolated from patients with ulcers

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes capable of degrading collagens and other extracellular matrix components, have been implicated i n gastric ulcer formation. However, the effect on MMP expression of Helicob acter pylori, also implicated in these lesions, has not been studied to our knowledge. Aim: To seek links between H. pylori and MMP expression likely to affect ga stric ulcer formation. After fibroblasts from human gastric wall were cocul tured with H. pylori, concentrations of MMP-1 and -2 in the medium were det ermined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: Whereas MMP-1 was not detected in media from fibroblasts or H. pyl ori culture alone, MMP-1 was detected in cocultures (P<0.01). Similar amoun ts of MMP-2 were detected in medium from fibroblasts cultured alone and wit h H. pylori. No MMP-2 production by H. pylori cultured alone was detected. Conclusions: MMP-1 appears to be important in gastric ulcer pathogenesis, a nd MMP-1 induction by H. pylori may impede gastric ulcer healing.