title: Matrix metalloproteinases: do they play a role in mucosal pathology of the oral cavity?
abstract: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are critical factors in maintaining the integrity of mucosa and mediating normal biological processes. An imbalance between tissue levels of these mediators and their natural inhibitors is believed to underlie the pathophysiology of many diseases, including those affect the gastrointestinal and oral mucosae. The ongoing development of synthetic inhibitors of these mediators may provide opportunities to develop treatment modalities for patients suffering from these diseases. Understanding the role of MMPs in the pathophysiology of many diseases, however, is far from complete, and the improvement of pharmaceutical management strategies can only be achieved if the underlying process of these diseases is completely comprehended. This paper reviews the functions of matrix metalloproteinases and addresses their role in mediating mucosal pathologies with emphasis on oral mucosa.
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia. abdul.al-azri@adelaide.edu.au
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Al-Azri
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.forename: D M K
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Keefe
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Logan
mesh_terms: D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000201:enzymology; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000201:enzymology; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000201:enzymology; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000201:enzymology; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000201:enzymology*; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases