Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Christopoulou ME
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9966421 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
International journal of molecular sciences 20230214 4
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes that degrade proteins of the extracellular matrix and the basement membrane. Thus, these enzymes regulate airway remodeling, which is a major pathological feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, proteolytic destruction in the lungs may lead to loss of elastin and the development of emphysema, which is associated with poor lung function in COPD patients. In this literature review, we describe and appraise evide ...[more]