Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Effects of Molecular Hydrogen

Molecular hydrogen plays a role in modulating several cellular functions and in several diseases were documented its pleiotropic therapeutic effects. Several lines of evidence indicates that an important role in mechanisms involved in molecular hydrogen effects play modulation of cellular antioxidant defenses, including intracellular and extracellular redox signaling. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases that are involved in regulation of several cellular functions, in particular the modulation of extracellular matrix turnover. Moreover, oxidative stress-induced dysregulation of MMPs activities plays a crucial role in the development of pathological changes. Since it was described regulatory role of molecular hydrogen in modulation of several MMPs these enzymes represent potential targets of molecular hydrogen action. Our data demonstrated potential negative role of MMP-2 and MMP-28 in development of pathological changes induced by mediastinal irradiation (MI) of rats. Molecular hydrogen possessed beneficial effects against MI-induced changes in both matrix metalloproteinases. To the potential role of MMPs in protective effects of molecular hydrogen point also findings that inhalation of hydrogen-rich air was associated with protection against post-transplant complications and led to a partial reversal of MMP-9 activation. In conclusion, modulation of matrix metalloproteinases using molecular hydrogen could be promising strategy for treatment of several diseases, in which oxidative stress and tissue remodeling is an important partner.