The role of matrix metalloproteinases in glaucoma pathogenesis

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinases belong to an enzyme family, which assure a proteolysis of practically all components of the extracellular matrix of connective tissues in normal and pathological conditions. At physiological conditions, there are evidences on the impact of this enzyme group in the embryogenesis, morphogenesis, angiogenesis, and tissue involution. The activity impairment of matrix metalloproteinases and of their specific inhibitors leads to the biosynthesis misbalance and to the degradation of extracellular matrix components; it plays a role in the development of such diseases as diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and arteriosclerosis. Laboratory tests and clinical investigation results confirm the role of these enzymes in tissue remodeling of different eyeball structures in glaucoma (in particular, of the trabecular meshwork and the optic disc); it leads to intraocular fluid outflow impairment and to the glaucomatous optic neuropathy development. In the review, the analysis of clinical and experimental studies is performed that are dedicated to the investigation of matrix metalloproteinases role in the pathogenesis of different glaucoma types, of the possibility to use them as biomarkers, as well as therapeutic action targets in this disease.