The mRNA expression levels of OPG, COL1A, and MMP-9 (Fig 4B, 4D, and 4F, respectively) were increased 37.8-, 17.3-, and 344.4-fold, respectively (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively) in T1DM rats compared with control rats. The gene discussed is MMP9; the disease is type 1 diabetes mellitus.