Pattern of matrix metalloproteinases-9, P53 and BCL-2 proteins in Egyptian patients with pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) constitute a large family of enzymes that degrade extracellular matrix proteins (ECM). MMPs are implicated in different pathological conditions such as cancer. Bcl-2 and P53 are key controllers of programmed cell death (PCD) or apoptosis.