The effects of zinc treatment on matrix metalloproteinases: A systematic review

Background: Zinc (Zn) acts as a cofactor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and is vital for their activity and controlling their expression. Alteration of Zn in the body could affect the expression, activity, and destructive impacts of MMPs. Objective: This systematic review aimed to summarize existing evidence on the effects of Zn treatment on the expression and activity of MMPs. Method: International sources from Pub Med, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched for the original and English-language studies, published up to the end of May 2018. Results: During the initial search, 179 records were found, and 135 articles of them remained after the exclusion of duplicate articles. 47 studies met the inclusion criteria, after multiple stages of screening and critical reviews of articles. Conclusion: Approximately 62% of the included studies (29 of 47) showed an inhibitory impact of Zn on MMPs production and activities. The inhibitory or stimulatory effect of Zn on MMPs seems to depend on physiological conditions of the cells or animals used, dose of Zn used, and duration of treatment.