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Neurovascular matrix metalloproteinases and the blood-brain barrier

Ji Hae Seo1, Shuzhen Guo, Josephine Lok

  • 1Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Current Pharmaceutical Design
|May 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage and brain edema in stroke. Targeting MMPs offers potential for stroke biomarkers and therapeutics, and may benefit other CNS disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and brain edema are key aspects of stroke pathology.
  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in disrupting the BBB.
  • The neurovascular unit's integrity is crucial for brain health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of MMPs in BBB dysfunction.
  • To explore MMPs as potential biomarkers for stroke.
  • To investigate MMP inhibitors as therapeutic strategies for CNS disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of experimental models and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of data on MMPs' effects on BBB permeability.
  • Examination of MMPs' role in neurovascular unit signaling.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests MMPs increase BBB permeability.
  • MMPs interfere with cell-cell signaling within the neurovascular unit.
  • MMP involvement is observed in both experimental stroke models and human patients.

Conclusions:

  • MMPs are significant contributors to BBB breakdown in stroke.
  • MMPs show promise as stroke biomarkers.
  • Targeting MMPs presents therapeutic opportunities for stroke and potentially other CNS disorders.

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