Role of matrix metalloproteinases in chronic rhinosinusitis.
OBJECTIVE
In this review, we discuss the role of matrix metalloproteinases and the potential therapeutic inhibition of metalloproteinases in chronic rhinosinusitis. Metalloproteinases control tissue remodelling along with several other physiologic processes. Failures may cause extracellular matrix deposition and sustained inflammation, which are common features in chronic rhinosinusitis.


RESULTS
Metalloproteinases are rarely studied in chronic rhinosinusitis. Upregulation of certain metalloproteinases (gelatinases, collagenases and matrilysin) is described in the literature. The results are partly controversial, suggesting that metalloproteinases are implicated in the destructive processes in the disease pathogenesis, but also demonstrate that they may exert an anti-inflammatory function in chronic rhinosinusitis. The imbalance between metalloproteinases and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases is proposed to be crucial in the extracellular matrix deposition in asthma, and it may also lead to pathologic tissue remodelling in chronic rhinosinusitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Metalloproteinases are implicated in the chronic respiratory-tract diseases, but little is known about their detailed functions in disease pathogenesis. Metalloproteinases may serve as tools in evaluating prognosis and provide a target for novel therapies, highlighting the need for better understanding of metalloproteinase functions in chronic rhinosinusitis.
Kostamo
Katriina
K
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, Kotka, Finland. katriina.kostamo@kymshp.fi
Toskala
Elina
E
Tervahartiala
Taina
T
Sorsa
Timo
T
D002908:Chronic Disease; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism
D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases