Matrix Metalloproteinases in Chronic Liver Disease and Liver Transplantation

Matrix metalloproteinase 2 genotype is associated with nonanastomotic biliary strictures after orthotopic liver transplantation

“…Matrix metalloproteinases comprise a large family of proteolytic enzymes involved in physiological and disease‐related connective tissue remodelling processes and the gelatinases MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 are considered to play an important role in inflammation, degradation and remodelling processes in the liver (29, 31, 44). MMP activity is regulated by various factors and controlled by activation of latent pro‐enzymes and by interaction with endogenous inhibitors such as tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs).…”

“…Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) comprise a large family of proteolytic enzymes that are important in physiological and disease‐related extracellular matrix remodelling processes (27–30). MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 are capable of digesting components of the connective tissue matrix and type IV collagen within basement membranes.…”

Galectin-3 and matrix metalloproteinase-9: Perspective in management of hepatocellular carcinoma

“…Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is thought to be particularly involved in the degradation of matrix in the liver. 6 MMP-9 was shown to modulate the bioavailability of growth factors and to disrupt cell-cell contacts, dramatically affecting cell proliferation and survival. 7 Besides being involved in tumor growth and invasiveness, MMP-9 exclusively contributes to a critical step of tumorigenesis, the so-called ''angiogenic switch,'' 8 in addition to playing an important role in the HCC metastasis.…”

Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Tissue Inhibitors in Peripheral Blood Leukocytes and Plasma of Children with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

“…Leukocyte expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 (gelatinases), and MMP-14 (a membrane-type MMP) enhances their abilities for liver infiltration during inflammatory responses (basement membrane degradation) where they participate in ECM remodeling and regulation of inflammatory responses by modifying chemokine and cytokine activities [ 16 ]. The MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-14 degrade denatured collagen (gelatin) and other collagen types, as well as noncollagenous ECM components such as elastin, fibronectin, and laminin [ 17 ]. Macrophage MMP-12 is characterized by especially strong antielastin activity and plays an important role during liver fibrosis and fibrosis resolution [ 18 ].…”