Advancement of study on matrix metalloproteinase 3 and significance of its application in forensic medicine / 中国法医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Matrix metalloproteinase 3 is one of matrix metalloproteinase family members, which degrades a wide range of components of the extracellular matrix and participates in tissue morphogenesis, wound healing and inflammation. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase 3 is involved in pathogenesis and progress of a spectrum of diseases and malignant tumors, such as rheumatic arthritis, arteriosclerosis, breast cancer, and so on. Recent studies have demonstrated that matrix metalloproteinase 3 may be a novel signaling proteinase from apoptotic neuronal cells to microglia, which results in degeneration of neurons in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease by activating microglia. There is also an association between genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinase 3 at promoter region 5A/6A and susceptibility of myocardial infarction. Decrease in serum concentration of matrix metalloproteinase 3 after myocardial infarction may be a useful parameter for diagnosing sudden death due to myocardial infarction in forensic practice. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3 varies with different types of brain injuries, suggesting that it may contribute to synaptic plasticity during functional recovery. To elucidate the time-dependent expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3 may provide a new way for wound age determination in the brain.