Modulation of u-PA, MMPs and their inhibitors by a novel nutrient mixture in human glioblastoma cell lines
M.Waheed Roomi, Tatiana Kalinovsky, Aleksandra Niedzwiecki* and Matthias Rath
Dr. Rath Research Institute, Santa Clara, CA
International Journal of Oncology 2014; 45: 887-894
Abstract:
Brain tumors are highly aggressive tumors that are characterized by high levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 secretions that degrade the extracellular membrane (ECM) and basement membrane, allowing cancer cells to spread to distal organs. Proteases play a key role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis by digesting the basement membrane and ECM components. Strong clinical and experimental evidence demonstrates association of elevated levels of urokinase plasminogen activators (uPA) and MMPs with cancer progression, metastasis and shortened patient survival. MMP activities are regulated by specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Our main objective was to study the effect of a nutrient mixture (NM) on activity of uPA, MMPs and TIMPs in various human gliomas.