Matrix metalloproteinases and venous leg ulceration.

Metalloproteinase-mediated proteolysis plays an important role during the phase of venous ulcer formation and wound repair. Venous ulcers manifest as a breakdown of the collagenous stromal tissue and are highly associated to chronic venous insufficiency. A major change in our understanding of the pathogenesis of venous ulcers occurred with the demonstration of extracellular matrix-degrading activity of matrix metalloproteinases to generate a dermal-epidermal skin defect. These proteases were intensely investigated in preceding stages and during wound repair of venous ulcerations. Different studies have revealed their significance in the process of proteolytic remodeling and recognized their potential importance in finding therapeutic rationales to manage late complications of chronic venous ulcers.