This is supported by our other observation that the decrease in concentrations of S100A8, MMP9, IL10, TNF, IFNγ, and GM-CSF in plasma and MMP1, MMP8, and TNF in sputum are exclusive to the severe lung damage group; suggesting that these inflammatory mediators are major contributors to severe TB-related lung pathology pre-treatment. This evidence concerns the gene MMP8 and tuberculosis.