THE ROLE OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES AND TISSUE INHIBITORS OF METALLOPROTEINASES IN DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY CARDIOMYOPATHY

Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Better understanding of molecular pathways leading to DMD fibrosis may provide novel targets for drug therapy. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) regulate collagen