Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a role in several physiologic and pathologic events. There are some evidence indicating the involvement of MMPs in the pathophysiology of fungal infections.
Methods: Here we study somatic extract of Aspergillus fumigatus. The influence of Aspergillus vs. two other fungal extracts on MMPs production by Fibrosarcoma cell line was investigated using an in vitro cytotoxicity assay, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide and gelatin zymography.
Results: Comparative dose-dependent inhibitory effects on MMPs were seen by A. fumigatus extract and compared with some steroidal and non-steroidal drugs. Cytotoxicity analysis of our extract revealed much lower cell death than other examined agents.
Conclusions: Since inhibition of MMPs activity has been employed in modality therapy in such diseases as cancer, this extract might be promising in the preparation of anti-MMP therapeutic derivatives.