Metalloproteinases in Psoriasis
Title: The role of metalloproteinases in psoriasis
Authors: Flisiak I, et al.
Publication: Przegl Lek. 2005;62(2):119-22.
Metalloproteinases (enzymes containing metals that degrade proteins)
play a crucial role in the:
- destruction of tissue related to inflammation
- carcinogenesis (formation of tumors)
- wound healing
- morphogenesis (formation of organs and parts of the body)
- growth
In psoriasis, destruction of extracellular matrix proteins by
metalloproteinases, following damage to the basement membrane
can result in angiogenesis (formation of blood vessels) and infiltration
of inflammation.
The activity of metalloproteinases can be controlled at different
levels:
- Genetic expression
- Enzyme activation
- Enzyme inhibition
In this paper, the author reviewed recently discovered role of
metalloproteinases in the development of skin diseases, including
psoriasis. They suggested development of compounds that inhibit
metalloproteinases for treatment of psoriasis, and that measuring
the levels of these enzymes can be useful for management and monitoring
of the disease.
Editor’s Note: The extracellular matrix is a complex
structure that surrounds and supports cells in a mammalian tissue.
