Furthermore, MMP-9 was induced in both RASFC (Fig. 2d (i)) and RA synovial tissue (Fig. 2d (ii)) with an increase in MMP-2 observed in RA explants (Fig. 2d (ii)) following Pam3CSK4 activation as assessed by gelatin zymography. This evidence concerns the gene MMP9 and rheumatoid arthritis.