Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family consists of Zn2+-dependent endopeptidases. The enzymes degrade structural proteins of basement membranes and extracellular matrix facilitating tissue remodeling and cell mobility thus phenomena accompanying physiological and inflammatory processes as well as cancer diseases. One of the subgroups among MMPs is a subfamily of gelatinases consisting of gelatinase A (MMP-2) and gelatinase B (MMP-9).

Discovered in 1897, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) was the most important and most widely used anti-inflammatory drug , analgesic and przeciwgoršczkowym in the twentieth century. Aspirin and its analogues called a common nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) through a common mechanism działajš based on the ability to inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase . Cyclooxygenase istniejš in at least two varieties: constitutive (COX -1) and inducible (COX -2). Aspirin and other NSAIDs inhibit both isoforms invol COX .

Katalizujšcymi are enzymes cyclooxygenase metabolism of phospholipids of the cell membrane to the formation of prostanoids ties conducting obejmujšcych prostaglandin and thromboxanes . Prostaglandin kontrolujš variety of physiological processes , such as protection of the gastrointestinal tract, the proper functioning of the kidneys, reproductive processes , and the course of inflammation . It is now known that cyclooxygenase (COX ) is present in at least two isoforms encoded by genes located on different chromosomes .