Abstract:

Objective To investigate the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP2) in pancreatic islets of rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into control group and diabetes mellitus group. Type 2 diabetes mellitus model was established by high calorie diet and intraperitoneal injection of low dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 15 mg/kg). The tissues of pancreatic islets were harvested from both groups 2 weeks and 6 weeks after model establishment, RT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to detect the expression of MMP2 mRNA and protein respectively, and the activity of MMP2 was analysed by gelatin zymography. Results There was expression of MMP2 mRNA and protein in tissues of pancreatic islets in both groups, and the expression of MMP2 mRNA and protein in diabetes mellitus group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). Gelatin zymography indicated that the activity of MMP2 in diabetes mellitus group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The expression of MMP2 mRNA and protein and the activity of MMP2 6 weeks after model establishment were higher than those 2 weeks after model establishment in diabetes mellitus group, while there was no significant difference between them (P>0.05). Conclusion The expression of MMP2 gene and activity of MMP2 increase in pancreatic islets of rats with diabetes mellitus, which may be related to B cell dysfunction in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Key words: type 2 diabetes mellitus, matrix metalloproteinases 2, enzymatic activity, pancreatic islet