Compared to all other groups, the highest Mmp-9 mRNA levels and the lowest Timp-1 mRNA levels were observed in the diabetes group on days III, VI and X. Mmp-9 mRNA decreased significantly in PAW-treated diabetic animals compared to untreated diabetic animals on days III and X. Accordingly, PAW treatment affected the Mmp-9/Timp-1 ratio, which was 6.8- and 4.7-fold lower in the DP group compared to the D group on days III and VI, respectively. Here, MMP9 is linked to diabetes mellitus.