title: Matrix metalloproteinases in asthma and COPD.
abstract: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both highly prevalent, chronic inflammatory lung diseases that lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are extracellular matrix degrading enzymes that play a critical role in normal development and physiological tissue remodeling and repair. In addition, they play an important role in the regulation of the kinetics and function of inflammatory cells. There is increasing evidence that MMPs are involved in the pathogenesis of both asthma and COPD, and several MMPs are possible therapeutic targets in these common chronic airway diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Diseases, Ghent University Hospital 7K12IE, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium. M.DemedtsIngelK@UGent.be
authors.forename: Ingel K
authors.initials: IK
authors.lastname: Demedts
authors.forename: Guy G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Brusselle
authors.forename: Ken R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Bracke
authors.forename: Karim Y
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Vermaelen
authors.forename: Romain A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Pauwels
mesh_terms: D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000502:physiology; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases