MMP9 and endometriosis: Dan'e Fukang decoction is known to reduce the expression of VEGF and TNF-α in the ectopic endometrium during endometriosis, while also inhibiting the invasion and proliferation of endometrial cells [168]; it also appeared to adjust the balance of MMP-9 and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor-1 (TIMP-1) in endometriosis rat model [169].