title: Matrix metalloproteinases in inflammatory bowel disease: an update.
abstract: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known to be upregulated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other inflammatory conditions, but while their involvement is clear, their role in many settings has yet to be determined. Studies of the involvement of MMPs in IBD since 2006 have revealed an array of immune and stromal cells which release the proteases in response to inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. Through digestion of the extracellular matrix and cleavage of bioactive proteins, a huge diversity of roles have been revealed for the MMPs in IBD, where they have been shown to regulate epithelial barrier function, immune response, angiogenesis, fibrosis, and wound healing. For this reason, MMPs have been recognised as potential biomarkers for disease activity in IBD and inhibition remains a huge area of interest. This review describes new roles of MMPs in the pathophysiology of IBD and suggests future directions for the development of treatment strategies in this condition.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Shane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: O'Sullivan
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: John F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Gilmer
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-6119-3676
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Medina
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers; D004751:Enteritis / Q000473:pathology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D005355:Fibrosis; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases