Metalloprotease inhibitors as anti-inflammatory agents: an evolving target?
The metalloproteases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes that are important for tissue remodeling. These enzymes have been implicated in a number of pathologies, including cancer, arthritis, atherosclerosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thus, inhibitors of MMPs may have utility in the therapy of inflammatory diseases, particularly in arthritis where current therapies do not halt the progression of the disease. Many compounds have been identified as inhibitors of MMPs, and some have progressed to the clinic. However, no compound developed as an MMP inhibitor has been licensed for clinical use thus far. This review discusses this therapeutic area and compares inhibitors of MMPs with other novel therapeutic approaches in the treatment of inflammatory disease. Inhibitors of MMPs may find utility in disorders not currently targeted, but where MMPs are involved in the pathology.
Whelan
Clifford J
CJ
Phlogopharm Ltd, Buntingford, Herts SG9 9JQ, UK. wdrcjw@aol.com
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology; D001168:Arthritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology; D045726:Metalloproteases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D045726:Metalloproteases