Cadmium exposure inhibits MMP2 and MMP9 activities in the prostate and testis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc (Zn2+) and calcium (Ca2+) dependant endopeptidases, capable of degradation of numerous components of the extracellular matrix. Cadmium (Cd2+) is a well known environmental contaminant which could impair the activity of MMPs. In this sense, this study was conducted to evaluate if Cd2+ intake inhibits these endopeptidases activities at the rat prostate and testicles and if it directly inhibits the activity...