MMP9 and breast carcinoma: To this aim, mRNA expressions of (i) pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-6; (ii) VEGF-A, a pro-angiogenic factor; and (iii) MMP-9, a matrix metalloproteinase involved in breast cancer invasiveness [27], were measured in MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells, following 24 h culture in the presence of CM collected from PHA-activated ob-ASC/MNC co-cultures.