Colonhealing and remodeling depends on the collagen changes in extracellular matrix.Some conditions, disrupt its turnover, causing strength weakening of the scar,as a result of high activity of local matrix metalloproteinases, causing a highrisk of dehiscence. The extracellular matrix metalloproteinases are a family ofzinc-dependent endopeptidases, or metzincines, and have been currently recognizedin humans about 24 genes responsible for each one. The first MMP, colagenase (MMP-1),was described by Gross and Lapière (1962), while studying tadpole resorptionof the American bullfrog. Metalloproteinases activity in cancer research, hastaken a special place. Currently, evidences points to the cancer cell abilityto interfere with enzymatic activity modulation - an co-factor which affects localinvasiveness and metastatic dissemination. Both MMPs-2 and -7 have been frequentlyobserved in colon cancer. Moreover, MMP-12 seems to counteract MMP-7 effect thereforeconsidered as a protector and associated with better prognosis, in contrast toMMP-3, which may be responsible for a worse outcome. Association between highactivity of MMPs, the prognosis of cancer and increased risk of intestinal anastomoticleakage has been highlighted, suggesting a consistent trilogy. Pharmacologicaltherapy using MMPs inhibitors has been extensively studied, especially targetedfor cancer control. The article discusses the most relevant information and updatedinformation on the subject.
