MMP3 transcripts were significantly lower in IPF (75% less) and SSc (90% less) compared to NL; addition of IGF-II significantly decreased MMP3 transcript levels in all populations (20% reduction in MMP3 mRNA in NL, a 45% decrease in IPF, and a 43% decline in SSc; Fig 4C). Here, MMP3 is linked to systemic sclerosis.