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Status of research on MMPs in India
Chinnadurai Saravanan1, Sushil Kumar Singh
1Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
Introduction:
MMPs are metal-dependant endopeptidases capable of degrading any one of the components of the extracellular matrix. In normal physiological conditions it is regulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, and any alteration in this regulatory process leads to pathological conditions.
Areas Covered:
This review discusses the status of MMP research in India. The first research paper was published in 1998; the subsequent developments in this field led to an increase in the number of publications. This review highlights the growth of MMP research in India based on the research papers published from 1998 to 2010. We identify four major subject areas: cancer, arthritis, ulcer and quantitative structure-activity relationship. The diseases involved are discussed along with the required steps for improving treatments.
Expert Opinion:
Indian researchers need to work on new molecules with specific MMP inhibitory activity for cancer and communicable and geriatric diseases. Although several publications on natural products have appeared from India, they are very few considering the number of medicinal plants available in the country. Inhibiting MMPs could be both beneficial and detrimental to cells, owing to the inter-relationship between normal physiology and pathology; thus, targeting MMPs with broad MMP inhibitors can have mixed blessings.
Insights
Research on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in India, focusing on cancer and arthritis, has grown since 1998. Developing specific MMP inhibitors is crucial for treating various diseases, but broad inhibitors may have mixed effects.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial enzymes regulating the extracellular matrix.
- Dysregulation of MMPs is linked to various pathological conditions.
- Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) normally control MMP activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the landscape of MMP research in India from 1998 to 2010.
- To identify key research areas and trends in MMP studies within India.
- To highlight the progress and future directions for MMP research in India.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of MMP research published in India between 1998 and 2010.
- Identification and categorization of major research themes.
- Analysis of publication trends and subject areas.
Main Results:
- MMP research in India has shown significant growth since 1998.
- Key research areas include cancer, arthritis, ulcers, and quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR).
- The review identified a need for more research into specific MMP inhibitors.
Conclusions:
- Indian researchers should focus on developing novel molecules with specific MMP inhibitory activity for cancer, communicable, and geriatric diseases.
- There is a need to explore India's rich medicinal plant diversity for natural MMP inhibitors.
- Targeting MMPs requires careful consideration due to their dual role in normal physiology and pathology, necessitating specific inhibitors.
