Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Asthma.
- Author:
Dae Hyun LIM
1
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Asthma;
Matrix metalloproteinase
- MeSH:
Airway Obstruction;
Airway Remodeling;
Asthma*;
Fibrosis;
Humans;
Inflammation;
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9*;
Matrix Metalloproteinases;
Molar;
Pathology
- From:Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease
2006;16(1):12-22
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Variable airway obstruction, increased bronchial hyperresponsiveness, allergic inflammatory reaction and airway remodeling are main characteristics of asthma. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases(TIMPs) do play important roles to pathogenesis and pathology of asthma via influence on the function and migration of inflammatory cells as well as extracellular matrix(ECM) deposition and degradation. MMP-9 is the predominant MMP in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), and its expression is enhanced when asthma patients have spontaneous exacerbations or in response to local instillation of allergen in the airway. As acute inflammation of asthma resolves, MMP-9 levels return to normal. TIMPs bind MMPs in a 1:1 fashion. Thus, an increase in the molar ratio of MMP/TIMP can favor tissue injury, while the reverse ratio could be associated with increased fibrosis. Glucocorticosteroids could downregulate MMPs and enhance TIMPs. Even though it is clear that stimulated allergic inflammation in airway is associated with increased expression of MMPs, whether specific inhibitors of MMPs could reduce airway structural changes and facilitate orderly healing in asthma is still unknown.
