Induction by Epidermophyton Floccosum of human fibroblast matrix metalloproteinase-9 secretion in vitro

Abstract

© 2015, Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. All rights reserved. Skin infection from pathogenic dermatophyte, Epidermophyton floccosum, can cause serious health complications, especially in immuno-compromised patients. Proteolytic enzymes secreted from E. floccosum are required for host tissue degradation, facilitating fungal invasion. However, little is known regarding host matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression during E. floccosum infection. In this study human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cell line was used to determine MMP-9 protease activity by gelatin zymography and amount by ELISA. E. floccosum induced HFF secretion of MMP-9 in a time dependent manner, but HFF cell viability decreased. Treatment with an MMP inhibitor (SB-3CT) caused reduction in E. floccosum-induced secreted MMP-9 and improvement in HFF cell viability. These findings indicate a possible control measure for protecting skin from E. floccosum infection.