SWISS MEDICAL WEEKLY, vol.138, pp.684-688, 2008 (SCI-Expanded)
Objective: The complex structure of polyp formation is still unknown. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of zinc-dependant endopeptidases with proteolytic activities towards several components of extracellular matrix, play an important rote in connective tissue remodeling. Tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are natural inhibitors of MMPs. The balance between MMP/TIMP is very critical in matrix remodeling and various physiological processes. Imbalances between these enzymes and inhibitors may cause pathological processes such as chronic inflammation, degenerative disease and tumour invasion. In our study we aimed at demonstrating MMP/TIMP imbalance in nasal polyposis, similar to other pathological processes.