Role of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in ex vivo Trypanosoma cruzi infection of human placental chorionic villi

Background: Chagas' disease is caused by the haemophlagelated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi). During congenital transmission the parasite breaks down the placental barrier. In the present study we analyzed the participation of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) in the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling during T. cruzi ex vivo infection of human placental chorionic villi explants. Methods: Chorionic villi from healthy woman placentas were incubated in the presence or absence of 105 or 106 T. cruzi trypomastigotes (Y strain) with or without the MMPs inhibitor doxycycline. Effective infection was tested measuring parasite DNA by real time PCR (qPCR). MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression were determined by western blotting and immunohistochemistry and their activities were measured by zymography. The effect of MMPs on ECM structure was analyzed histochemically. Results: T. cruzi induces the expression and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in chorionic villi. Inhibition of the MMPs prevents the tis