Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated to play an important role in degradation of cartilage matrix, and elevated levels of MMPs have been detected in synovial tissue, synovial fluid and serum from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The mechanisms of cartilage destruction in RA, however, have not been clearly elucidated. Overexpression of tissue inhibitor of MMPs type 1 (TIMP-1) in the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse and in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a transgenic mouse has very different effects. In the case of CIA mice, TIMP-1 cannot prevent the destruction of cartilage matrix and even increases the severity of inflammation in arthritic joints (see Additional information). This study investigated the effects of TIMP-1 overexpression in TNF-a transgenic mice.

Adenovirus based human TIMP-1 (hTIMP-1) gene delivery led to expression mainly in the thymus, spleen and liver in TNF-a transgenic mice. The serum levels of hTIMP-1 were 1300 ? 435 pg/ml (Day 3). TIMP-1 treatment did not modify the serum levels of TNF-a, soluble TNF receptor 1 (TNFRI) or IL-6 compared to controls. Overexpression of hTIMP-1 in the TNF-a transgenic mice showed significant improvement of arthritic features (paw swelling, grip strength and ankle thickness) compared to controls. There was also remarkable reduction in severity of the disease as demonstrated by radiological and histological analysis of joints. Immunohistochemistry with anti-TIMP-1 and MMP-3 antibodies showed colocalization of the two molecules, implying that overexpressed hTIMP-1 targeted endogenous MMP-3, predominantly localized in arthritic joints. In addition, TIMP-1 treatment reduced the levels of serum autoantibodies against heterogeneous nuclear ribonuclear protein A2 (RA33), suggesting suppression of disease progression.

Adenovirus-delivered hTIMP-1 gene has been evaluated in both CIA and TNF transgenic mice, and quite distinct effects have been observed. However, significantly different levels of hTIMP-1 have been detected in the serum (approximately 3 ?g/ml in CIA mice versus 1.3 ng/ml in TNF-a transgenic mice at Day 3). These observations imply that expressed hTIMP-1 was free from its main targets (mainly MMPs) in CIA mice, and failed to inhibit them, resulting in an arthritic phenotype. In the TNF-a transgenic mice, hTIMP-1 could bind MMPs effectively. These contrary effects of TIMP-1 in the two different RA models may also be explained by differences in the molecular mechanisms of the disease process in the two mouse models.

Induction of CIA, adenoviral vectors, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, analysis of antoantibodies.

Apparailly F, Noel D, Millet V, Baker AH, Lisignoli G, Jacquet C, Kaiser MJ, Sany J, Jorgensen C: Paradoxical effects of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 gene transfer in collagen-induced arthritis. Arthritis Rheum, 2001 44: 1444-1454.