Macrophage metalloelastase (MMP-12) as a target for inflammatory respiratory diseases.
BACKGROUND
MMPs are known to regulate the turnover of extracellular matrix and have been suggested to be important in lung disease associated with tissue remodeling. Macrophage elastase (MMP-12) is able to degrade extracellular matrix components such as elastin and is involved in tissue remodeling in inflammatory respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), including emphysema. Recent studies using MMP-12 inhibitors have demonstrated a reduction in both the inflammatory process and airspace enlargement in lung tissue.


OBJECTIVE
This review discusses the potential involvement of MMP-12 in the pathophysiological process and proposes MMP-12 as a target for inflammatory disorders of the respiratory system.


CONCLUSIONS
MMP-12 plays a predominant role in the inflammatory process induced by cigarette smoke, and therefore is potentially an important therapeutic target for the treatment of COPD.
Lagente
Vincent
V
Université de Rennes I, INSERM U620/EA MDC, 2, avenue du Pr. Léon Bernard, 35043 Rennes Cedex, France. vincent.lagente@univ-rennes1.fr
Le Quement
Catherine
C
Boichot
Elisabeth
E
D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D053508:Matrix Metalloproteinase 12 / Q000378:metabolism; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D053508:Matrix Metalloproteinase 12