Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a major group of enzymes that play essential roles in normal functioning of diverse tissues during growth, development, and aging. However, among the MMPs little is known regarding the role of exercise in MMP-9 and MMP-2 function in humans.
Objective: The aim of this study was to provide a systematic comprehensive review of the literature examining the effect of different exercise interventions on MMP-9 and MMP-2 in human investigations.
Data sources: A comprehensive systematic database search was performed, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science.
Study selection: Both the acute and chronic effects of exercise were included for evaluation in this systematic review. Inclusion criteria included the use of any type of planned, structured, and repetitive movement and its effects on the MMP-2 and MMP-9 response (obtained from plasma samples), participants (humans only) of any age with or without diseases, sedentary participants and those involved in light, moderate, and vigorous activity, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical trials (CTs), full text article citations with no restrictions in terms of language, and scored at least 5/11 on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) quality scale.
Study appraisal and synthesis methods: The PEDro scale was used to appraise study quality of RCTs and CTs. Two reviewers independently reviewed the full texts of all potentially relevant articles for eligibility and disagreements were discussed and resolved.
Results: Seven studies met the previously determined quality indicators and were reviewed; three were RCTs and four were CTs. In general, the quality of the studies ranged from 5 to 9 out of a maximum of 11 on the PEDro quality criteria scale. Results revealed that chronic aerobic training induces a decrease in MMP-9 and MMP-2 levels, possibly indicating a cardioprotective effect, while resistance exercise training displayed conflicting results.
Conclusion: Alterations in MMP-9 and MMP-2 plasma concentrations may be valuable biomarkers to reflect the influence of exercise on the inflammatory state. Nevertheless, the limited evidence available regarding the effects of exercise on the MMP-9 and MMP-2 response in human participants suggests that further studies are needed to fully define the connection between the role of exercise on the MMP-9 and MMP-2 response.