Research progress on relationship between matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is diffuse pulmonary parenchymal damage caused by various internal and external factors such as severe trauma, infection, shock, sepsis, and massive blood transfusion. Various factors lead to the aggregation and activation of a series of inflammatory cells in the lung, the release of cytokines, growth factors and other inflammatory mediators, which causes the synthesis and activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP). MMP-2 and MMP-9 play important roles in the pathogenesis of ALI through destructing the basement membrane, promoting the migration of cells related with inflammatory process and the reconstruction of extracellular matrix. The studies about the mechanism of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in ALI are important for the prevention and treatment of ALI. Key words: Matrix metalloproteinase;  Acute lung injury;  Matrix metalloproteinase-2;  Matrix metalloproteinase-9;  Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor