MMP3 and lobular neoplasia: In addition to correlating the expression of MMPs with the activity index of LN, the association of stronger MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-3 expression with worse renal function at the time of kidney biopsy, indicates that these proteolytic enzymes play a pivotal role in mesangial matrix and glomerular basement membrane damage, thus, contributing to the impairment of renal function.