Natural Bio-Drugs as Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors: New Perspectives on the Horizon?
The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), belonging to the family of proteolytic enzymes, are well-known for their ability to degrade the extracellular matrix, and are involved in many aspects of both physiological cellular processes and pathological situations, such as tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. MMPs have been considered prognostic factors in various types of cancer as well as promising targets for cancer therapy. Although preclinical studies of a number of different synthetic MMP inhibitors have been identified as cytostatic and anti-angiogenic agents and have begun clinical testing, the past years have produced a consistent number of disappointments and limited successes. In view of their specific implication in malignant tissues, several natural compounds were utilized, and the results were so satisfactory as to encourage several clinical trials in order to improve efficacy and to reduce the side effect profile. The natural protection against cancer has been receiving a great deal of attention, and the critical examination of previous studies shed light on new information about the source and function of MMPs, focusing the attention on the identification of MMP targets in tumors. This review discusses the current knowledge and research in the field of natural MMP inhibitor as innovative therapeutic intervention in cancer.
Keywords: Biodrugs; Cancer; Clinical Trials; Gelatinases; Matrix Metalloproteinases; Natural Compounds; Nutraceuticals; Protease Inhibitors; Therapeutic strategies
Document Type: Research Article
Affiliations: Istituto di Istologia ed Analisi di Laboratorio, Facolta di Scienze MFN, Via E. Zeppi, Universita degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy.
Publication date: 01 January 2006
- Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery publishes review articles on recent patents in the field of anti-cancer drug discovery e.g. novel bioactive compounds, analogs & targets. A selection of important and recent patents on anti-cancer drug discovery is also included in the journal. The journal is essential reading for all researchers involved in anti-cancer drug design and discovery.
- Editorial Board
- Information for Authors
- Subscribe to this Title
- Ingenta Connect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites
- Access Key
- Free content
- Partial Free content
- New content
- Open access content
- Partial Open access content
- Subscribed content
- Partial Subscribed content
- Free trial content