Role of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in the pathological mechanisms underlying maxillofacial cystic lesions

Abstract

Cystic lesions are considered to be one of the most common pathologies of the maxillofacial region, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may represent potential etiological factors. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and their endogenous tissue inhibitors, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2, respectively, in the pathogenesis of maxillofacial cystic lesions. A total of 25 patients diagnosed with radicular cysts (RCs; n=20), dentigerous cysts (n=3) and retention cysts (RtCs; n=7) were enrolled in the present study. Gelatin zymography was performed to assess the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and commercial ELISA kits were used to determine TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 concentrations. Gelatin zymography revealed the presence of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 in all types of samples analyzed. An increase in MMP-9 activity, TIMP-1 concentration and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was observed in the fluid obtained from RCs compared with that obtained from RtCs. In conclusion, MMP-9 may be involved in the pathogenesis of RCs, whereas the activity of MMP-2 in the wall of RtCs was low, and this gelatinase did not appear to significantly affect the development of this type of lesion.

Immunohistochemical Analysis of Dentigerous Cysts & Odontogenic Keratocysts Associated with Impacted Third Molars: A Systematic Review

“…For instance, studies have specifically linked MMP-9 to the aggressive behavior of odontogenic keratocysts, suggesting that MMP inhibitors could serve as effective therapeutic agents. Clinical case reports have demonstrated that the local application of MMP inhibitors can significantly reduce the invasiveness of these lesions, supporting their use as adjunct therapies alongside conventional surgical methods [72,73]. This practical application highlights how understanding MMP activity can lead to more targeted and effective treatment approaches, demonstrating the direct impact of molecular insights on improving clinical outcomes.…”

Cytokine Profiling of Cyst Fluid and Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Cystic Vestibular Schwannoma

“…In a prospective investigation of 9 cystic VS, MMP-2 expression was found ubiquitously in all cyst fluid with gelatin zymography. Furthermore, MMP-2 localized to the tumors cells along the luminal surface of the cyst wall, suggesting additional roles for MMPs in the development of cysts in VS (41). Our immunofluorescence and cytokine analysis of cyst fluid did not incorporate MMPs; however, osteopontin was upregulated in cyst fluid and CSF and is known to be a substrate of several MMPs, including MMP-2 (42–45).…”

The paradigm of the inflammatory radicular cyst: biological aspects to be considered

“…MMPs are divided into families depending on their internal structure and substrate. In periapical lesions, it is common to find the subfamily of collagenases (MMP-1, 8, 13) ( 113 – 115 ) and gelatinases (MMP-2, 9) ( 63 , 114 , 116 ), which, in combination with pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1α, are involved in bone resorption during IRC growth ( 63 , 105 ). Special attention has been paid to MMP-13, which seems to have a greater implication in IRC expansion ( 33 , 63 , 113 ).…”