Objective To study the expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 mRNA on cultured rat mesangial cells （MsC） and in human diseased glomeruli

and to explore their significance in the development of glomerulosclerosis. Methods The expressions of MMP-2

TIMP-2

and Col ⅣmRNA on cultured rat MsC stimulated by IL-1 or/and TGF-β1were investigated through Northern blot analysis. The levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 mRNA expressions and immunoreacti-vity of PCNA and Col Ⅳin human diseased glomeruli from renal biopsies of lupus nephritis （LN） patients were examined by insituhybridization and immunohistochemistry

respectively. Results The levels of MMP-2

TIMP-2

and Col ⅣmRNA expressions were markedly increased on cultured rat MsC stimulated by IL-1 or/and TGF-β1. Meanwhile

upregulation of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 mRNA expressions was confirmed in diseased glomeruli from patients with various subtypes of LN

and was closely related to the positive cell number of PCNA presentation and deposition of Col Ⅳin glomeruli. Conclusion The results suggest that the over-expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 mRNA on glomerular cells might play a critical role in the development of glomerulosclerosis.