Elevation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in multiple sclerosis and impact of immunomodulators

The matdx meta I loprotemases (MMPs) are implicated in the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS). This review summarizes the consequences of upregulation of MMP members in MS as well as in an anirnal model of the disease, experimental autoirmilune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The pathogenic roles of MMPs are considered, especially in the transmigration of leukocytes into the CNS. We review the evidence that in terferon-beta, an immunomodulator that is commonly used in MS, affects MMP expression in the disease. The potential of minocycline as a therapy in MS, based on its activity as an MMP inhibitor, is discussed. Besides affecting MMPs, minocycline may have other actions that help account for its possible utility in MS. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.