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ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 2 inactivation reduces the extent and stability of carbon tetrachloride–induced hepatic fibrosis in mice
Author(s) -
Kesteloot Frédéric,
Desmoulière Alexis,
Leclercq Isabelle,
Thiry Marc,
Arrese Jorge E.,
Prockop Darwin J.,
Lapière Charles M.,
Nusgens Betty V.,
Colige Alain
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.488
H-Index - 361
eISSN - 1527-3350
pISSN - 0270-9139
DOI - 10.1002/hep.21868
Subject(s) - carbon tetrachloride , extracellular matrix , fibrosis , chemistry , ccl4 , thrombospondin , fibril , pathogenesis , type i collagen , hepatic fibrosis , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , matrix metalloproteinase , pathology , medicine , metalloproteinase , biology , organic chemistry
ADAMTS2 belongs to the “ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif” (ADAMTS) family. Its primary function is to process collagen type I, II, III, and V precursors into mature molecules by excising the aminopropeptide. This process allows the correct assembly of collagen molecules into fibrils and fibers, which confers to connective tissues their architectural structure and mechanical resistance. To evaluate the impact of ADAMTS2 on the pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, mainly type I and III collagens, we evaluated carbon tetrachloride–induced liver fibrosis in ADAMTS2‐deficient (TS2 −/− ) and wild‐type (WT) mice. A single carbon tetrachloride injection caused a similar acute liver injury in deficient and WT mice. A chronic treatment induced collagen deposition in fibrous septa that were made of thinner and irregular fibers in TS2 −/− mice. The rate of collagen deposition was slower in TS2 −/− mice, and at an equivalent degree of fibrosis, the resorption of fibrous septa was slightly faster. Most of the genes involved in the development and reversion of the fibrosis were similarly regulated in TS2 −/− and WT mice. Conclusion: These data indicate that the extent of fibrosis is reduced in TS2 −/− mice in comparison with their WT littermates. Inhibiting the maturation of fibrillar collagens may be a beneficial therapeutic approach to interfering with the development of fibrotic lesions. (H EPATOLOGY 2007.)