Mesangial matrix expansion is caused by the overproduction and/or the impaired proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix. However, the relative contribution of these changes to the development of prolonged mesangial matrix expansion is still poorly understood. We aimed to elucidate the relative role of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)/tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) system in the development of prolonged mesangial matrix expansion.
Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Nephrology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, 951-8510, Niigata, Japan.
