MMP9 and hyperuricemia: The mice in the hyperuricemia + Ang II group showed increased levels of MMP-9 (9.04-fold, n = 6, P < 0.05), URAT1 (6.8-fold, n = 6, P < 0.05), and p-ERK1/2 (8.19-fold, n = 6, P < 0.05) (Fig. 3).