The MMP-1:TIMP-3 ratio was increased 3.7-fold in RASFC (3.9 to 14.5, p = 0.07) and 1.8-fold in RA ex vivo biopsies (57 to 103, p <0.05) (Fig. 2b, 2c (iv)). This evidence concerns the gene TIMP3 and rheumatoid arthritis.