Matrix metalloproteinases, inflammation and atherosclerosis: therapeutic perspectives.
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), also called matrixins, are proteinases that participate in extracellular matrix remodelling and degradation. Under normal physiological conditions, the activities of MMPs are precisely regulated at the level of transcription, of activation of the pro-MMP precursor zymogens and of inhibition by endogenous inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases; TIMPs). Alteration in the regulation of MMP activity is implicated in diseases such as cancer, fibrosis, arthritis and atherosclerosis. The pathological effects of MMPs and TIMPs in cardiovascular diseases involve vascular remodelling, atherosclerotic plaque instability and left ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction. Since excessive tissue remodelling and increased matrix metalloproteinase activity have been demonstrated during atherosclerotic lesion progression (including plaque disruption), MMPs represent a potential target for therapeutic intervention aimed at modification of vascular pathology by restoring the physiological balance between MMPs and TIMPs. This review describes the members of the MMP and TIMP families and discusses the structure, function and regulation of MMP activity; finally, pharmacological approaches to MMP inhibition are highlighted.
Beaudeux
Jean-Louis
JL
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France. jean-louis.beaudeux@psl.ap-hop-paris.fr
Giral
Philippe
P
Bruckert
Eric
E
Foglietti
Marie-José
MJ
Chapman
M John
MJ
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases