Targeting TNF-α suppresses the production of MMP-9 in human salivary gland cells

Objective Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays an essential role in inflammation and apoptosis. Our previous study suggested that TNF-α-induced activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) resulted in the destruction of acinar tissue in the salivary glands of patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) via disruption of the acinar cell-basement membrane. Recently, a wide array of biological agents has been designed to inhibit TNF, including etanercept and adalimumab. In this study, we demonstrate the suppressive effect of anti-TNF agents on TNF-α-induced MMP-9 production in NS-AV-AC, an immortalized human salivary gland acinar cell line. Materials and methods NS-AV-AC cells were treated with etanercept or adalimumab after TNF-α treatment. MMP-9 production and enzymatic activity were, respectively, visualized by real-time PCR and ELISA assay, and evaluated by gelatin zymography, and apoptosis was evaluated by DNA fragmentation assay. Results TNF-α induced the production of MMP-9 in NS-SV-AC cells. However, this production was greatly inhibited by treatment with etanercept or adalimumab. In addition, TNF-α-induced DNA fragmentation was prevented by treatment with etanercept or adalimumab. Conclusions These results may indicate that anti-TNF agents would have therapeutic efficacy for preventing destruction of the acinar structure in the salivary glands of patients with SS.