Inflammatory bowel disease: the function of metalloproteinases

Introduction. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine. Aim. The aim of this work was to review the current literature regarding matrix metalloproteinases. The databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect and Springer were utilized to search the literature for relevant articles. Materials and methods. An analysis of literature. We collected information, data, and examples of the function of metalloproteinases. Results. Herein we show that metalloproteinases play a role in such processes as the immune response, angiogenesis, the epithelial barrier function, fibrosis induced by the inflammatory process, and in the process of carcinogenesis. Conclusions. Further studies on the role of metalloproteinases in the process of carcinogenesis associated with inflammatory bowel diseases are required.