The MMP-9/VEGF/Tsp1 equilibrium is considered critical for tumour angiogenesis, since MMP-9 activates VEGF and Tsp-1 inhibits both MMP-9 activation and VEGF activity [46, 47], and TIMP-3 is a potent angiogenesis inhibitor [48]. Here, THBS1 is linked to neoplasm.