Immunolocalization of Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and Their Inhibitors in the Hearts of Rats Treated with Immunosuppressive Drugs—An Artificial Intelligence-Based Digital Analysis

Abstract

Background: Immunosuppressive agents represent a broad group of drugs, such as calcineurin inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and glucocorticosteroids, among others. These drugs are widely used in a number of conditions, but lifelong therapy is crucial in the case of organ recipients to prevent rejection. To further increase the safety and efficacy of these agents, their off-target mechanisms of action, as well as processes underlying the pathogenesis of adverse effects, need to be thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of various combinations of cyclosporine/tacrolimus/mycophenolate with rapamycin and steroids (CRG, TRG, MRG), on the morphology and morphometry of rats’ cardiomyocytes, together with the presence of cardiac collagen and the immunoexpression of MMPs and TIMPs. Methods: Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups receiving different immunosuppressive regiments. After six months of treatment, the hearts were collected and analyzed. Results: Cardiomyocytes from the CRG cohorts demonstrated the most pronounced morphological alterations. In addition, chronic immunosuppression reduced the width and length of cardiac cells. However, immunosuppressive therapy did not alter the presence of cardiac collagen fibers. Nevertheless, we observed significant alterations regarding MMP/TIMP homeostasis. Conclusions: Chronic immunosuppression seems to disturb the MMP/TIMP balance in aspects of immunolocalization in the hearts of rats. Further studies are required to analyze other mechanisms and pathways affected by the use of immunosuppressants.