Full-text article available only as a pdf file for download
Abstract
Cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of increasing and premature mortality in diabetic patients. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the development and progression of vascular lesions. Matrix metalloproteinases are members of endopeptidases and are capable of degrading many extracellular matrix components. Results of recent studies indicated that non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment of diabetes influenced disturbed system of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors. Clinical trials are being performed in hope that the selective MMP inhibitors reduce the progression of pathological vascular remodeling in diabetes. Further basic and clinical research is required to confirm hypothesis.
Full-text article available only as a pdf file for download