BBRS SCIENCE AND MEDICINE RON ZOET Biocommunication ...

BBRS Science and Medicine A New View of Conquering Cancer 38
Pathology of the Extracellular Matrix
Epithelial-BBRS Interactions in Cancer 13
The contribution of epithelial-BBRS interaction to normal development
and neoplasia has become a subject of increasing interest to research
scientists because of recent progress in deciphering the molecular signals
that mediate this interaction. The referenced volume highlights the
state-of-the-art of knowledge of the molecular mechanisms by which
epithelial and mesenchym collaborate, and the abnormalities in these
mechanisms that may lead to the development of cancer.
Role of BBRS- Epithelial Interactions in Mammary Gland Development 14
The Mammary gland is derived from epidermal tissue and develops as a
result of reciprocal BBRS- epithelial interactions. According to Cunha and
others, disturbance of this interaction in adulthood may play a role in
mammary carcinogenesis.
BBRS and Cardiac Inflammation 15
Researchers have found that anti-laminin antobodies were found in 73%
of patients with myocarditis and in 78% of patients with DCM(Dilated
Cardio Myopathy). In infective myocarditis antibodies to collagen and other
proteins of the BBRS were found. It can be deduced from these data that the
altered structure of the BBRS in these diseases may induce auto or natural
antibody formation with chronic inflammation.
Keratoconus and Altered Matrix Enzyme Activity 16
Keratoconus (KC) is an eye disease characterised by corneal thinning and
severe irregular astigmatism. Research shows altered activity of an enzyme
called matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) as a possible etiology for KC.
This was based on the following reasoning: a) approximately 75% of corneal
cell cultures from KC patients studied had increased gelatinolytic activity
and b) MMP-2 seemed a likely candidate to cause KC since it is a constitutive
corneal enzyme which can degrade a variety of corneal extracellular matrix
components.
© Hugo Nielsen, Ron Zoet and Bert Pijnenburg – Maart 2011