Matrix metalloproteinases-2 and-9 expression in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis: A systematic review

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are engaged in the degradation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix and vessels, allowing the progression of pathological processes. Recent studies pointed that MMP-2 and-9 are promising visceral leishmaniasis biomarkers. Thus, the present studystudy aimed to review published scientific literature related to MMP-2 and-9 activity on canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). The review fol-lowed the PRISMA method, searching for articles in ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs, Medline and Google Scholar from inception until 20 March 2022 by employing the following terms: "dog", "matrix metal-loproteinases" and "Visceral Leishmaniasis" or "Kala Azar". The selected articles were read in full and only those consistent with the eligibility criteria were included in the review. Of 238 articles from the initial search, only five were deemed eligible, which were conducted between 2010 and 2018. All studies were performed in Brazil. It was observed that there was a higher expression of proMMP-2 in cerebrospinal (CS) fluid and serum and active MMP-2 in different skin areas, mainly in high parasite load areas. As for MMP-9, the pro and active forms were both expressed in CS fluid, serum and different skin areas. The MMP-2 can be considered a biomarker of bad prognostic as it plays an inflammatory role with a greater release in the initial phase of the disease, where MMP-9 is perceived in the chronic phase of CVL. Future research on the subject with greater methodological rigor and bigger sample sizes are mandatory to clarify the role of MMPs on disease progression.