MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Dr. Apoorva Sokke Mallikarjunappa, Dr. Swati George*, Dr. Suchetha Aghanashini, Dr. Sapna Nadiger,
Dr. Darshan B. Mundinamane and Dr. Divya Bhat

ABSTRACT

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of enzymes that are responsible for the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins during organogenesis, and in tissue turnover. The expression and activity of MMPs in adult tissues is ideally low, but increases during pathological conditions resulting in tissue destruction. The role of collagenases (MMP-8) in periodontitis and peri-implantitis is an example of the unwanted tissue destruction related to increased presence and activity of MMPs at the site of disease. There is evidence that indicates the role of MMPs in in dental caries and oral cancer. This review describes the presence and activity of various MMPs and its role in tissue destruction along with its other aspects that may facilitate the development of new means of diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases.

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