title: Matrix metalloproteinases as drug targets in preeclampsia.
abstract: Preeclampsia is an important syndrome complicating pregnancy. While the pathogenesis of preeclampsia is not entirely known, poor placental perfusion leading to widespread maternal endothelial dysfunction is accepted as a major mechanism. It has been suggested that altered placental expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may cause shallow cytotrophoblastic invasion and incomplete remodeling of the spiral arteries. MMPs are also thought to link placental ischemia to the cardiovascular alterations of preeclampsia. In fact, MMPs may promote vasoconstriction and surface receptors cleavage affecting the vasculature. Therefore, the overall goal of this review article is to provide an overview of the pathophisiology of preeclampsia, more specifically regarding the role of MMPs in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and the potential of MMP inhibitors as therapeutic options.
authors: aDepartment of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State St., Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
authors: Ana C T
authors: AC
authors: Palei
authors: Joey P
authors: JP
authors: Granger
authors: Jose E
authors: JE
authors: Tanus-Santos
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000502:physiology*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases