Matrix metalloproteinases in respiratory diseases: from pathogenesis to potential clinical implications.
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-endopeptidases responsible for degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) components including basement membrane collagen, interstitial collagen, fibronectin, and various proteoglycans, during normal remodeling and repair processes. The turnover and remodeling of ECM must be tightly regulated since excessive or inappropriate expression of MMPs may contribute to the pathogenesis of tissue destructive processes associated with lung inflammation and disease. Despite the fact that our knowledge in the field of MMP biology is rapidly expanding, the role of MMPs in the pathogenesis of lung diseases is still not clear. The aim of the present review is to present the basic principles of MMP biology and, subsequently, to focus on the clinical and experimental evidence related to MMP activity in various lung disorders, including lung cancer, pleural effusions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, acute respiratory distress syndrome and interstitial lung diseases.
Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Thessaly Medical School, University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece.
Smaragda
S
Oikonomidi
Konstantinos
K
Kostikas
Irene
I
Tsilioni
Kalliopi
K
Tanou
Konstantinos I
KI
Gourgoulianis
Theodoros S
TS
Kiropoulos
D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism*; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000503:physiopathology; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000503:physiopathology*
D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases