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Matrix metalloproteinases: do they play a role in mucosal pathology of the oral cavity?
Author(s) -
AlAzri AR,
Gibson RJ,
Keefe DMK,
Logan RM
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
oral diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.953
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1601-0825
pISSN - 1354-523X
DOI - 10.1111/odi.12023
Subject(s) - matrix metalloproteinase , pathophysiology , medicine , pathology , oral mucosa , bioinformatics , immunology , biology
Matrix metalloproteinases ( MMP s) are critical factors in maintaining the integrity of mucosa and mediating normal biological processes. An imbalance between tissue levels of these mediators and their natural inhibitors is believed to underlie the pathophysiology of many diseases, including those affect the gastrointestinal and oral mucosae. The ongoing development of synthetic inhibitors of these mediators may provide opportunities to develop treatment modalities for patients suffering from these diseases. Understanding the role of MMP s in the pathophysiology of many diseases, however, is far from complete, and the improvement of pharmaceutical management strategies can only be achieved if the underlying process of these diseases is completely comprehended. This paper reviews the functions of matrix metalloproteinases and addresses their role in mediating mucosal pathologies with emphasis on oral mucosa.