Additionally, cadmium has a direct impact on the adherence junction proteins, causing the synthesis of pulmonary MMP-2 and MMP-9, and accelerating collagen and elastin breakdown that results in emphysema (Sundblad et al. 2016; Kirschvink et al. 2005; Surolia et al. 2015). The gene discussed is MMP2; the disease is pulmonary emphysema.