title: The role of matrix metalloproteinases in the pathogenesis of abdominal wall hernias.
abstract: Surgical treatment of abdominal wall hernia has been based for many decades on observational evidence, as the disease physiopathology was ambiguous. The long-standing hypothesis of abnormal collagen metabolism as a causative factor of hernia disease seems to become substantiated by modern investigations, demonstrating a link between abnormal matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and abdominal wall hernia. Current evidence suggests a strong correlation between MMP-2 and direct inguinal hernia, while the role of this MMP in indirect, incisional and recurrent hernias has not been completely elucidated yet. Furthermore, MMP-1 and MMP-13 seem to be implicated in the physiopathology of recurrent hernia, while limited data link MMP-1 also with incisional hernia formation. Despite the importance of MMP-9 in wound healing mechanisms, its role in hernia pathogenesis has not been adequately investigated. Future research is expected to decipher the complex physiopathological mechanisms of hernia development and provide a basis for potential therapeutic applications.
authors: Krankenhaus Maria v. d. Aposteln Neuwerk, Mönchengladbach, Germany. stavros.antoniou@hotmail.com
authors: S A
authors: SA
authors: Antoniou
authors: G A
authors: GA
authors: Antoniou
authors: F A
authors: FA
authors: Granderath
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Simopoulos
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000378:metabolism*; D024061:Collagen Type III / Q000378:metabolism*; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000201:enzymology*; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D024042:Collagen Type I; D024061:Collagen Type III; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases