MMP9 and neoplasm: NE has been suggested as a physiological activator of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in tumor invasion and angiogenesis,67 acute lung injury,68 or during extended culture of monocytes and fibroblasts in 3-dimensional collagen gels.69 Importantly, apart from activating MMPs, NE has also been reported to upregulate MMP-2 expression70 and increase production of active MMPs,71 thereby activating NF-κB signaling in macrophages.