title: Matrix metalloproteinases and colon anastomosis repair: a new indication for pharmacological inhibition?
abstract: Excessive matrix metalloproteinase activities have been implicated in the pathogenesis of intestinal anastomotic dehiscence, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication following gastrointestinal surgery. In this review, the properties of matrix metalloproteinases are summarized followed by presentation of clinical therapeutic interventions with synthetic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors and novel experimental data on colon anastomosis repair that warrant exploration of these drugs in surgical colorectal patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery K, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. maa02@bbh.hosp.dk
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Agren
authors.forename: L N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Jorgensen
authors.forename: J-M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Delaissé
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000502:physiology; D015394:Molecular Structure; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases