Role of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and their natural inhibitors in liver fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis and non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases

BACKGROUND: There is a growing evidence that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -2 and MMP-9 (gelatinases) play an important role in the pathogenesis of numerous disorders, especially with inflammatory etiology and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Despite the fact that gelatinases involve in liver cirrhosis is provided in the literature, their role in the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis and non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases is still under investigation. DATA SOURCES: We carried out a Pub Med search of English-language articles relevant to the involvement of gelatinases in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, pancreatitis, and non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases. RESULTS: The decreased activity of gelatinases, especially MMP-2, is related to the development of liver fibrosis, probably due to the decrease of capability for ECM remodeling. Similar situation can be found in chronic pancreatitis; however, reports on this matter are rare. The presence of non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases results in MMP-9 activity elevation. CONCLUSION: The fluctuation of gelatinases activity during liver fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis and non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases is observed, but the exact role of these enzymes demands further studies.