The Ralph score at baseline was not significantly associated with the Ralph score at the end of TB treatment (data not shown; r= 0.23 and p = 0.087), and the patterns of the plasma levels of MMP-8 and MPO in subjects with more severe lung impairment at enrollment were similar to those with any lung impairment at month 6 (Figure 4F). Here, MMP8 is linked to tuberculosis.