Matrix metalloproteinases and TIMPs: properties and implications for the rheumatic diseases |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Centro de Investigação em Química, CIQ-UP, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 687, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal;2. Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, ICBAS, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;1. Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Fla;2. Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Fla;3. Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Shriners Burns Hospital, Boston, Mass;4. Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Fla |
| |
| Abstract: | The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a unique family of metalloenzymes, which, once activated, can destroy all the components of cartilage. MMPs are found in resorbing cartilage, bone, rheumatoid and osteoarthritic synovial fluid, and adjacent soft tissues. The active enzymes are all inhibited by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). The relative amounts of active MMPs and TIMPs are important in determining whether cartilage is broken down in joint diseases. Conventional treatments for arthritis do little to affect the underlying joint destruction, but new drugs are now available that can specifically block active MMPs. These potent inhibitors prevent the destruction of cartilage both in vitro and in animal models of arthritis. Future trials in patients will test their effectiveness in the prevention of cartilage destruction. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
| 本文献已被 ScienceDirect 等数据库收录！ |
|
