Collagen matrix metalloproteases

Ottl J, Battistuta R, Pieper M, Tschesche H, Bode W, Kiihn K, Moroder L. Design and synthesis of heterotrimeric collagen peptides with a built-in cystine-knot. Models for collagen catabolism by matrix-metalloproteases. FEBS. Lett. 1996 398 31-36. 

Tetracyclines have been investigated in experimental osteoarthritis, because metalloproteases are involved in the breakdown of cartilage matrix seen in this condition. Doxycycline reduced the severity of knee osteoarthritis induced in dogs by ligamentous section (27) and also reduced the degradation of type XI collagen exposed to extract of human arthritic cartilage (28). 

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