The decreased levels of TIMP-3 and the decreased MMP/TIMP-2 ratios therefore, could potentially signify an important role for these enzymes in promoting VEGF-mediated angiogenesis and/or lymphangiogenesis in response to inflammation, as has been described in neuroinflammatory disorders such as multiple sclerosis or experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis [27]. This evidence concerns the gene TIMP3 and multiple sclerosis.