Considering that collagen types I, II and II are the main substrates for MMP-8 activity and that this MMP has been reported to participate in tissue remodeling processes during inflammatory conditions (Warner et al., 2004), an increase in transcript levels and secretion of this protease may lead to a greater collagen degradation which could contribute to tissue instability and eventually epithelial cell detachment, as observed in gonococcal infection (McGee et al., 1981). This evidence concerns the gene MMP8 and bacterial sexually transmitted disease.