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8th
International Inter University Scientific Meeting
Academy of Studenica
NEW
TRENDS IN DIAGNOSTICS AND THERAPY OF MALIGNANT TUMORS
Organizer:
Institute of Oncology Sremska Kamenica, Yugoslavia
Co-organizers: Institute
for Oncology and Radiology, Belgrade, Yugoslavia;
"Aristotel School", Thessaloniki, Greece
President:
Prof.Dr. Vladimir Vit. Baltiæ
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ISSN
1450-708
Content
5 /2001
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THERAPEUTIC
INTERVENTION ON MMPS AND TIMPS FOR THE BENEFIT OF CANCER
PATIENTS: SAFEGUARDING PANDORA'S BOX
I. Tentes1,
A-A. Tentes2, A. Kortsaris1
1Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University
of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
2Surgical Clinic, General Regional
and Perfectural Hospital of Didimoteichon, Didimoteichon,
Greece Yugoslavia
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ABSTRACT
The
matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-proteinases
involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix. They
are synthesized in all cells as proenzymes, and are activated
by proteolytic cleavage on demand. Furthermore, the Tissue
Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases (TIMPs) control their function
by binding to specific sites. They play a central role in
tissue remodeling and remake, but have also been implicated
in the process of tumor growth, invasion and metastasis; they
are frequently overexpressed in malignant tumors and have
been associated with an aggressive malignant phenotype and
adverse prognosis in patients with cancer. A number of MMP
inhibitors are being developed for the treatment of cancer.
These can be classified as: (i) collagen peptidomimetics,
(ii) nonpeptidomimetic inhibitors of the MMP active site,
(iii) tetracycline derivatives and (iv) biphosphonates. Herein,
to-date experience from clinical trials of some of these compounds
is discussed, along with problems and other matters arising
from their effective use as anti-cancer agents.
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Keywords:
MMPs; TIMPs; cancer; drug design |
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