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ASTHMA: Waldo Mattos, Sam Lim, Richard Russell, Anon Jatakanon, K. Fan Chung, and Peter J. Barnes Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression in Asthma: Effect of Asthma Severity, Allergen Challenge, and Inhaled Corticosteroids Chest 2002; 122: 1543-1552 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]

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MMP inhibitors in Severe Asthma and COPD

Dr S K Agarwal   (19 December 2002)

MMP inhibitors in Severe Asthma and COPD 19 December 2002
Dr S K Agarwal, Head, Department of Chest Diseases, Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi,India Send letter to journal: Re: MMP inhibitors in Severe Asthma and COPD sk_agarwal{at}satyam.net.in Dr S K Agarwal	Matrix mettalloproteinases ( MMPs ) are derived from macrophages, neutrophils and epithelial cells and are thus very important enzymes in digesting elastin in COPD.In cases of asthma the inflammatory cells are different and there eosinophils rather than neutrophils in majority of cases. MMP-9 plays a critical role in connective tissue destruction in COPD, suggesting that MMP inhibitors may be beneficial. There are several ways to inhibit MMPs. One approach is to enhance the secretion of the endogenous inhibitors of MMPs-TIMPs. Another is to develop enzyme inhibitors, such as batimastat and the orally active marimastat. These are non-selective inhibitors and have side effects. Selective inhibitors of MMP-9 and MMP-12 are now in development and are likely to be better tolerated in therapy for patients.