Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9)‎—A Mediating Enzyme in Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, and Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Abstract EN

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) has been implicated in numerous somatic illnesses, including cardiovascular disorders and cancer.

Recently, MMP9 has been shown to be increasingly important in several aspects of central nervous system activity.

Furthermore, a pathogenic role for this enzyme has been suggested in such neuropsychiatric disorders as schizophrenia, bipolar illness, and multiple sclerosis.

In this paper, the results of biochemical and molecular-genetic studies on MMP9 that have been performed in these pathological conditions will be summarized.

Furthermore, I hypothesize that the MMP9 gene, as shown by functional −1562 C/T polymorphism studies, may be mediating the relationship of neuropsychiatric illnesses (schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder, multiple sclerosis) that are comorbid with cardiovascular disease and cancer.