Gene expression profiles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) were evaluated in peripheral blood leukocytes of children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Gene expression patterns were correlated with their plasma protein counterparts, systemic parameters of liver injury, and selected markers of inflammation. The MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-12, MMP-14, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TGF-β, and IL-6 transcripts levels were tested by the real-time PCR. Plasma concentrations of MMP-9, TIMP-1, MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio, MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio, sCD14, leptin, resistin, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 and serum markers of liver injury were estimated by ELISA. The MMP-9, TIMP-2 expression levels, plasma amounts of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio were increased in children with NAFLD. Concentrations of AST, ALT, GGT, and leptin were elevated in serum patients with NAFLD, while concentration of other inflammatory or liver injury markers was unchanged. The MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels correlated with serum liver injury parameters (ALT and GGT concentrations, respectively); there were no other correlations between MMP/TIMP gene expression profiles, their plasma counterparts, and serum inflammatory markers. Association of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression with serum liver injury parameters (ALT, GGT) may suggest leukocyte engagement in the early stages of NAFLD development which possibly precedes subsequent systemic inflammatory responses.

中文翻译：

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基质金属蛋白酶及其组织抑制剂在非酒精性脂肪肝患儿外周血白细胞和血浆中的表达。

在非酒精性脂肪性肝病 (NAFLD) 儿童的外周血白细胞中评估了基质金属蛋白酶 ( MMPs ) 及其组织抑制剂 ( TIMPs ) 的基因表达谱。基因表达模式与其血浆蛋白对应物、肝损伤的全身参数和选定的炎症标志物相关。所述MMP - 2，MMP - 9，MMP - 12，MMP - 14，TIMP - 1，TIMP - 2，TGF - β，和通过实时PCR测试IL - 6转录物水平。MMP-9、TIMP-1、MMP-9/TIMP-1比值、MMP-2/TIMP-2比值、sCD14、瘦素、抵抗素、IL-1β和IL-6的血浆浓度以及肝损伤的血清标志物通过ELISA估计。所述MMP - 9，TIMP - 2级的表达水平，MMP-9的等离子体量，TIMP-1，和MMP-9 / TIMP-1的比例在患有NAFLD的儿童被增加。NAFLD 患者血清 AST、ALT、GGT 和瘦素浓度升高，而其他炎症或肝损伤标志物的浓度没有变化。所述MMP - 2和MMP - 9水平与血清​​肝损伤参数（分别为 ALT 和 GGT 浓度）相关；MMP/TIMP基因表达谱、它们的血浆对应物和血清炎症标志物之间没有其他相关性。MMP - 2和MMP -9 表达与血清肝损伤参数（ALT、GGT）的关联可能表明白细胞参与 NAFLD 发展的早期阶段，这可能先于随后的全身炎症反应。