title: Fetal hypoxia and programming of matrix metalloproteinases.
abstract: Fetal hypoxia adversely affects the brain and heart development, yet the mechanisms responsible remain elusive. Recent studies indicate an important role of the extracellular matrix in fetal development and tissue remodeling. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) have been implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological processes in the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. This review summarizes current knowledge of the mechanisms by which fetal hypoxia induces the imbalance of MMPs, TIMPs and collagen expression patterns, resulting in growth restriction and aberrant tissue remodeling in the developing heart and brain. Collectively, this information could lead to the development of preventive diagnoses and therapeutic strategies in the fetal programming of cardiovascular and neurological disorders.
authors.affiliation: Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
authors.forename: Wenni
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Tong
authors.forename: Lubo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D005318:Fetal Heart / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology; D005311:Fetal Hypoxia / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D003094:Collagen; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases