| abstract |
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in morphogenesis, angiogenesis, wound healing, and in certain disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, tumor invasion and metastasis. MMPs are thought to be regulated by a variety of cytokines, growth factors, hormones and phorbol esters. This regulation occurs on three levels; alteration of gene expression, activation of the latent zymogen and inhibition by the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP). We report here a new agent that regulates the level of MMPs in patient. More particularly, members of the PSP94 family, when administered to patients having metastatic hormone resistant prostate cancer, promote a significant decrease in MMP plasma levels. The invention therefore relates to the use of a PSP94 family member for the treatment of a condition related to the activity or expression of MMPs. |