Abstract
Disruption of the balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors is considered a key event in the development of pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, interstitial lung diseases and lung cancer. This imbalance often results in elevated net MMP activity, making MMP inhibition an attractive therapeutic strategy. Although promising results have been obtained, the lack of selective MMP inhibitors, together with limited knowledge regarding the exact functions of a particular MMP, hampers clinical application. This review discusses the involvement of different MMPs in lung disorders and future opportunities and limitations of therapeutic MMP inhibition.
MeSH terms
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Acute Lung Injury / drug therapy
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Acute Lung Injury / enzymology
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Acute Lung Injury / physiopathology
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Animals
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Asthma / drug therapy
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Asthma / enzymology
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Asthma / physiopathology
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Humans
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Lung Diseases / drug therapy*
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Lung Diseases / enzymology
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Lung Diseases / physiopathology
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Lung Diseases, Interstitial / drug therapy
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Lung Diseases, Interstitial / enzymology
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Lung Diseases, Interstitial / physiopathology
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Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
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Lung Neoplasms / enzymology
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Lung Neoplasms / physiopathology
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Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors*
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Matrix Metalloproteinases / physiology
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Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / drug therapy
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Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / enzymology
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Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / physiopathology
Substances
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Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
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Matrix Metalloproteinases