Concentrations of MMP-12 were significantly lower in SSc, particularly in SSc-ILD, compared to HC [0.10 ng/mL (0.06-0.16) in SSc, 0.09 ng/mL (0.05-0.13) in SSc-ILD, 0.20 ng/mL (0.16-0.33) in HC; p = 0.003 for SSc vs. HC and p = 0.01 for SSc-ILD vs. HC]. This evidence concerns the gene MMP12 and systemic sclerosis.