Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors. The role in the development of diabetic microangiopathy

Abstract

Microangiopathy is the chronic diabetic complication.
It is associated with disorders in small blood
vessels — diameter less than 100 μm. The most important
clinical changes occur in the retina (retinopathy),
kidneys (nephropathy), nervous system (neuropathy)
and in the heart (cardiomyopathy). These
changes are primarily connected with smooth muscle
cells proliferation, extracellular matrix expansion
and thickening of the intima. It is thought that their
development is due to disturbances in the matrix
metalloproteinases system. Consequently, the role
of these enzymes in the development of diabetic
complications has been the subject of intensive research.
This report summarizes the contribution of
metalloproteinases to diabetic microangiopathy.