Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors essentially contribute to a variety of pathophysiologies by modulating cell migration, tissue degradation and inflammation. Platelet-associated MMP activity appears to play a major role in these processes. First, platelets can concentrate leukocyte-derived MMP activity to sites of vascular injury by leukocyte recruitment. Second, platelets s...

The extracellular matrix (ECM) holds cells together and maintains the three-dimensional structure of the body. It also plays critical roles in cell growth, differentiation, survival and motility. For a tumour cell to metastasize from the primary tumour to other organs, it must locally degrade ECM components that are the physical barriers for cell migration. The key enzymes responsible for ECM b...

Angiogenesis is a prominent feature of numerous diseases, including cancer and arthritis, and appears to play an important role in kidney disease and hypertension. The matrix metalloproteinases, especially matrix metalloproteinase-2, play a vital role during angiogenesis by degrading the surrounding extracellular matrix and allowing endothelial cell invasion. Membrane type 1 matrix metalloprote...

During cardiopulmonary-bypass matrix-metalloproteinases released may contribute to ventricular dysfunction. This study was to determine plasma matrix-metalloproteinases in neonates after cardiopulmonary-bypass and their relation to post-operative course. A prospective observational study included 18 neonates having cardiac surgery. Plasma matrix-metalloproteinases-2 and 9 activities were measur...

The matrix metalloproteinases are a family of nearly 30 enzymes that are intimately involved in tissue remodeling. Disease processes associated with the matrix metalloproteinases are generally related to imbalance between the inhibition and activation of matrix metalloproteinases resulting in excessive degradation of the extracellullar matrix. These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,...

PURPOSE To test the hypothesis that extracellular matrix turnover, mediated by the matrix metalloproteinases, modulates aqueous humor outflow facility in a human outflow model. METHODS Matrix metalloproteinase activity was manipulated and outflow facility evaluated using perfused human anterior segment organ culture. Purified matrix metalloproteinases, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases ...

Matrix metalloproteinases are a class of enzymes involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix molecules. While these molecules are exceptionally effective mediators of physiological tissue remodeling, as occurs in wound healing and during embryonic development, pathological upregulation has been implicated in many disease processes. As effectors and indicators of pathological states, mat...