Matrix Metalloproteinases in Orofacial Pain: A Review

¹Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, Ribeirao Preto Dentistry School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, 14040-904, SP, Brazil.

Corresponding Author: Leite-Panissi CRA. Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, Ribeirao Preto Dentistry School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, 14040-904, SP, Brazil. Tel: 55 16 3315-4124; Email: [email protected]

Received Date: 02 Feb 2016
Accepted Date: 23 Feb 2016 
Published Date: 04 Mar 2016
Copyright © 2016 Do Nascimento GC and Leite-Panissi CRA

Citation: Do Nascimento GC and Leite-Panissi CRA. (2016). Matrix Metalloproteinases in Orofacial Pain: A Review. Mathews J Dentistry. 1(1): 004.

ABSTRACT

Acute and persistent pain in the orofacial region are frequently and a major medical and social problem. Orofacial pain can have various aetiologies, but inflammation is associated with many of them. One of the most important developments in the study of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is the recent finding that these enzymes are involved in nociception and hyperalgesia. Thus, the aim of this review is to evaluate the current state of knowledge regarding the relationship between MMPs and orofacial pain. Material and A search was performed in PubMed database (http://www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/pubmed) by using the following key words (separately or combined): 'matrix metalloproteinases', 'dentistry' and 'pain'. MMPs are involved in some orofacial pain processes, where these MMPs are located in periapical, periodontal, temporomandibular and brain tissues. We know that these proteases modulate inflammatory mechanisms, however, the complete influence of MMPs on the orofacial pain process is not well understood and thus work in this area could help to elucidate mechanisms of chronic pain as well as to develop new therapies for this pain process. Interest in the relationship between pain and MMPs has been growing over the last decade, providing a new perspective for therapeutic applications.

KEYWORDS

Hyperalgesia; Inflammation; Orofacial Pain; Metalloproteinases