What is the Impact of Environmental Pollutants on Metalloproteinases?
Environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals and organic solvents, can influence the expression and activity of metalloproteinases. For example, exposure to cadmium has been shown to upregulate certain MMPs, contributing to renal and hepatic toxicity. Understanding the impact of these pollutants on metalloproteinase activity is crucial for assessing their toxicological risks.