We compared the serum concentrations of interstitial collagenase (MMP-1), stromelysin-1 (MMP-3), gelatinase B (MMP-9), TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in aliquots of serum stored from women with a history of RPL and age-matched pregnant controls without a previous history of miscarriage at several gestational time points. The gene discussed is MMP3; the disease is spontaneous abortion.