Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

Matrix metalloproteinases and TIMPs: properties and implications for the rheumatic diseases

Lookup NU author(s): Emeritus Professor Tim Cawston

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.


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.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Cawson TE

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Molecular Medicine Today

Year: 1998

Volume: 4

Issue: 3

Pages: 130-137

Print publication date: 01/03/1998

ISSN (print): 1357-4310

ISSN (electronic):


Share