Paragangliomas (PGLs) are slow-growing, typically, benign tumors that arise from the extra-adrenal paraganglion of the autonomic nervous system. PGLs arising from the carotid body are relatively rare tumors but constitute the majority of head and neck PGLs (60e70%).1 Carotid body tumors (CBTs) belong to the classification of PGLs, because they originate from paraganglia in chromaffin-negative glomus cells derived from the embryonic neural crest, functioning as part of the sympathetic nervous system. These cells normally act as special chemoreceptors located along blood vessels, particularly in the carotid bodies (at bifurcation of the common carotid artery in the neck).2 CBTs are usually classified using the criteria described by Shamblin et al.3 Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that regulate cell matrix composition, play a role in several clinical conditions,4,5 including embryogenesis, wound healing,6,7 inflammation, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases,8 pulmonary diseases, and cancer.9 Several studies10e15 have shown that specific MMPs are involved in cancer processes that promote metastasis.The aim of this study is to examine the levels of MMPs in patients with benign and malignant neoplastic CBTs.
Carotid Body Paragangliomas and Matrix Metalloproteinases
Vincenzo Gasbarro;
2014
Abstract
Paragangliomas (PGLs) are slow-growing, typically, benign tumors that arise from the extra-adrenal paraganglion of the autonomic nervous system. PGLs arising from the carotid body are relatively rare tumors but constitute the majority of head and neck PGLs (60e70%).1 Carotid body tumors (CBTs) belong to the classification of PGLs, because they originate from paraganglia in chromaffin-negative glomus cells derived from the embryonic neural crest, functioning as part of the sympathetic nervous system. These cells normally act as special chemoreceptors located along blood vessels, particularly in the carotid bodies (at bifurcation of the common carotid artery in the neck).2 CBTs are usually classified using the criteria described by Shamblin et al.3 Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that regulate cell matrix composition, play a role in several clinical conditions,4,5 including embryogenesis, wound healing,6,7 inflammation, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases,8 pulmonary diseases, and cancer.9 Several studies10e15 have shown that specific MMPs are involved in cancer processes that promote metastasis.The aim of this study is to examine the levels of MMPs in patients with benign and malignant neoplastic CBTs.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
