mRNA abundance of metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (Timp1) was similar between groups (Fig. 5a), but the ratio of Timp1 to Mmp3 and to Mmp9 was reduced in HF-fed postpartum mice compared with HF-fed nulliparous mice (Fig. 5b; P < 0.05). Here, MMP3 is linked to hydrops fetalis.