Role of metalloproteinases in liver fibrosis

Collagen deposition in the cirrhotic Liver is the result of an imbalance be tween the amount of collagen produced and that, which is degraded. Although several groups have actively investigated the mechanisms that regulate col lagen gene expression in the liver, little is known regarding those involve d in the regulation of interstitial collagenases. In this study, we shall e xpress our personal ideas regarding the role of metalloproteinases in colla gen degradation in the cirrhotic liver, with special emphasis on the inters titial collagenases and some factors that may limit collagen degradation in vivo.