Utility of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Diagnosis, Monitoring and Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer Patients

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecologic malignancies. It is characterized by a high mortality rate, which is mainly due to the asymptomatic course of the disease. In light of the high mortality rate and increasing morbidity, new diagnostic methods are being explored to enable earlier detection, better monitoring, and improved prognosis. Such diagnostic methods include the assessment of tumor markers in various biological samples. Among the markers currently being investigated, extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are of particular interest. The objective of this article was to compile the existing knowledge of MMPs in ovarian cancer patients and to describe their potential diagnostic utility. Additionally, this article provides an overview of the symptoms, complications, and risk factors associated with ovarian cancer and the role of MMPs in physiology and pathology. Preliminary results indicate that tissue expression and blood and body fluid levels of MMPs may be different in ovarian cancer patients than in healthy women. The expression and concentration of individual MMPs have been shown to be correlated with cancer stage and disease severity. In addition, the preliminary value of some of these enzymes in predicting prognosis is discussed. However, as the amount of data is limited, more studies are needed to fully evaluate the potential function of individual MMPs in ovarian cancer patients. Based on the knowledge gathered for this article, it seems that MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-13, are tentatively the most useful. A thorough evaluation of their utility as modern biomarkers in ovarian cancer requires further investigation.

Importance of Metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) in the Diagnosis of Periodontitis

“…MMPs belong to the group of proteolytic enzymes and the activity of these compounds depends on the presence of zinc ions [ 13 , 14 , 50 , 51 ]. In the human body, 23 MMPs have been identified [ 13 ].…”

“…The overarching function of MMPs is related to the degradation of extracellular matrix elements and also other proteolytic enzymes, protease inhibitors, blood coagulation factors, cytokines, and growth factors [ 13 , 14 , 50 , 51 ]. Physiological MMPs mediate cellular phenomena such as cell differentiation and apoptosis, as well as tissue remodeling and wound healing processes.…”

“…Overactive MMPs lead to tissue destruction, weakening of the extracellular matrix, and fibrosis, which translate into the initiation and progression of various types of diseases. The dysregulation of MMPs is associated with the development of cardiovascular, respiratory [ 13 , 51 , 53 , 68 ], nervous [ 14 , 51 , 69 , 70 ], and excretory diseases [ 51 , 71 ], among others. Also, in the field of dentistry, the adverse effects of MMPs have been shown to be related to their prolonged activity.…”

“…MMPs stimulate the proliferation, invasion, and migration of tumor cells, which, while stimulating angiogenesis, contributes to tumor progression. In turn, the proteolytic properties of these enzymes contribute to the formation of metastatic foci [ 14 , 51 , 74 , 75 , 76 ]. Importantly, the expression of particular MMPs is found in different types of odontogenic tumors, such as ameloblastoma, ameloblastic carcinoma, adenomatoid odontogenic tumors, calcifying cystic odontogenic tumors, and odontomas [ 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 ].…”

Gelatin-based anticancer drug delivery nanosystems: A mini review

“…In the microenvironment of many different types of cancer, redox disorders and disruption of enzyme levels occur. MMPs are overexpressed in focal areas of many cancers ( Deng et al, 2019 ; Kicman et al, 2022 ). Glutathione (GSH) is similarly overexpressed in these cancer lesion areas ( Nunes and Serpa, 2018 ; Huang and Zhan, 2022 ).…”