Title:Matrix Gelatinases in Atherosclerosis and Diabetic Nephropathy: Progress and Challenges
Volume: 15
Issue: 6
Author(s): Grigorios G. Dimas*, Triantafyllos P. Didangelos and Dimitrios M. Grekas
Affiliation:
- 13 Dimokratias Str. Panorama, PC 55236, Thessaloniki,Greece
Keywords:
Matrix metalloproteinases, gelatinases, diabetic nephropathy, atherosclerosis, proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis.
Abstract: Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent proteases that degrade
components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In glomerular disease, MMPs are major regulators of
ECM degradation as well as structural and functional integrity in the glomerulus. In altered matrix
composition diseases, glomerular damage is due to increased degradation of kidney and vessel basement
membranes (BMs) by MMPs. MMP -2 and -9 are both considered as the main enzymes that degrade
collagen type-IV (coll-IV), which represents the key collagenous component of ECM and constitutes
the architectural structure of vessels and glomerular BM. here is growing evidence implicating
MMPs in atherosclerosis as well as in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Specific endogenous tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) are also implicated in CKD, CVD and diabetic
nephropathy (DN).
Conclusion: The present review discusses the role of MMPs -2 and -9 in DN, as a leading cause of endstage
renal disease and as a model of the link between progressive glomerulosclerosis and MMP expression.
