TY - JOUR T1 - Role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and MMP inhibitors on intracranial aneurysms: a review article TT - JF - MJIRI JO - MJIRI VL - 27 IS - 4 UR - http://mjiri.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1963-en.html Y1 - 2013 SP - 249 EP - 254 KW - Cerebral aneurysm KW - MMPs KW - MMP inhibitors KW - Doxycycline KW - Statins. N2 -  Cerebrovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world, and about one-fourth of cerebrovascular deaths are due to ruptured cerebral aneurysms (CA). Hence it is important to find a way to reduce aneurysm formation and its subsequent morbidity and mortality. Proteolytic activity capable of lysing gelatin has been shown to be increased in aneurysm tissue and expression of plasmin, membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase- 1(MT1-MMP), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in aneurysmal wall is more than what we observe in normal cerebral arteries. MMP inhibitors such as doxycycline and statins may prohibit aneurysm formation and growth. MMPs are important in tissue remodeling associated with various physiological and pathological processes such as morphogenesis, angiogenesis, apoptosis and tissue repair. In this article we review the role of MMPs and MMP inhibitors in formation of aneurysm.  M3 ER -