CD147 self‐regulates matrix metalloproteinase‐2 release in gingival fibroblasts after coculturing with U937 monocytic cells

Background Cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147) is a multifunctional glycoprotein that functions as an inducer of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in fibroblasts. Synergistically enhanced MMP‐2 expression was recently observed in the coculture of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and U937 human monocytic cells; however, the responsible mechanisms have not yet been fully established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the release of soluble CD147 in HGFs after coculturing with U937 cells and its functional effect on the enhancement of MMP‐2 expression in HGFs. Methods Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the amount of CD147 protein in media, whereas real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate the mRNA levels of CD147 and MMP‐2 in HGFs and U937 cells. The enzyme activities of MMP‐2 released from cells were examined by zymography. Transwell coculturing and conditioned media treatments were selected to rule out the effect of direct contact of HGFs and U937 cells. Results The protein and mRNA expression of CD147 in HGFs were enhanced after transwell coculturing with U937 cells and exposure to U937‐conditioned medium. MMP‐2 enzyme activities in HGFs were also significantly increased by the coculturing methods. Administration of exogenous CD147 enhanced MMP‐2 expression in HGFs, whereas treatment with cyclosporine‐A, which inhibited CD147 expression, reduced U937‐enhanced MMP‐2 expression in HGFs. Conclusions CD147 can interact with fibroblasts to stimulate the expression of MMPs associated with periodontal extracellular matrix degradation. This study has demonstrated that CD147 released from fibroblasts might play a role in monocyte‐enhanced MMP‐2 expression in HGFs.