Enhancement of MMP-9 activity in THP-1 cells by 7-ketocholesterol and its suppression by the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor fluvastatin.

We investigated the effect of 7-ketocholesterol (7-KCHO) on the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) in human monocytic THP-1 cells, and the inhibition of this effect by fluvastatin. In cells incubated with 7-KCHO or cholesterol, the activity of MMP-9 was enhanced, accompanying an increase in the secretion of MMP-9 proenzyme (pro-MMP-9). However, the activity of MMP-9 and the amount of pro-MMP-9 were significantly greater following incubation with 7-KCHO than cholesterol. Neither 7-KCHO nor cholesterol influenced the amount of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 secreted by THP-1 cells. When fluvastatin was added to the cells, the MMP-9 activity stimulated by 7-KCHO or cholesterol decreased significantly, accompanying a decrease in the secretion of pro-MMP-9 and TIMP-1. The inhibition of pro-MMP-9 secretion by fluvastatin was stronger in the cells incubated with 7-KCHO than with cholesterol. These results suggest that 7-KCHO activates macrophage and enhances MMP-9 activity, and its effects may be inhibited by fluvastatin.