Different patterns of gelatinolytic activity in pituitary macro- and microadenomas

Gelatinases, Matrix MetalloProteinase(MMP)-2 and MMP-9, belong to zinc-dependent endopeptidases involved in several physiological and pathological processes including inflammation and tumor development [1]. Both enzymes are capable of damaging extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins leading to the facilitation of carcinogenesis [2,3]. Although gelatinases are studied in numerous aggressive tumors the literature about their role in the pathogenesis of pituitary adenomas (PA) is scant. Overexpression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in tumor tissue was noticed in an invasive PA [4,5].
Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery - Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Source Type: research