Increased expression of mRNA for matrix metalloproteinases-1 and -3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 in intestinal biopsy specimens from patients with coeliac disease

Abstract

The decreased ratio of collagen I and TIMP-1 mRNA expressing cells to MMP-1 and MMP-3 mRNA expressing cells in untreated CD suggests a shift towards ECM degradation. ECM degradation by activated subepithelial fibroblasts and macrophages may be an important mechanism driving mucosal transformation in CD.