In contrast to MMP-9, TIMP-4 levels were raised in the whole SSc patientgroup (2035 ± 1064 pg/mL, range 380–4961 pg/mL)compared to controls (1484 ± 489 pg/mL, range 683–2661 pg/mL) aswell as in subgroups of patients with diffuse (2028 ± 1100 pg/mL, range380–4961 ng/mL) orlimited SSc (2050 ± 987 ng/mL, range 694–4900 ng/mL). Here, TIMP4 is linked to systemic sclerosis.