基质金属蛋白酶(matrix metalloproteinases,MMPs)是一类金属依赖的水解酶家族,是细胞外基(extracelluar matrix,ECM)降解的主要介质,其主要功能是降解细胞外基质,在细胞迁移、组织重建和修复等病理生理过程中发挥作用.MMPs的蛋白水解活性主要靠与其抑制剂(tissue inhibitor of MMPs,TIMPs)之间平衡来调节.组织中MMPs与TIMPs之间保持着相对平衡状态,它们的平衡和相互影响决定着细胞外基质是降解还是聚集.ECM不但可作为晶状体上皮细胞(LECs) 生长增殖的支架,而且还起促进LECs增殖、移行和黏附作用,最终导致晶状体后囊膜的混浊和纤维化.
Matrix metalloproteinses (MMPs)are a pivotal family of metal enzymes responsible for degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM)components during cell migration,tissue remodeling and repairing processes, et al. The potent proteolytic activities of MMPs are mainly regulated by the balance with specific tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs). MMPs and TIMPs keep on relative balance and mutual influence in tissue, which decides whether the extracellular matrix (ECM) is degradation or aggregation. ECM not only supports the growth and proliferation of lens epithelial cells (LECs), but also promotes LECs proliferation, migration and adhesion and finally leads to posterior capsule opacification and fibrosis.