The pro-SP-B, CCL17, and MMP9 levels were significantly elevated in the progressive non-IPF-ILD group compared with the non-progressive non-IPF-ILD group (Bonferroni’s adjusted P = 0.038, 0.00049, and 0.042, respectively) (Fig. 2C). This evidence concerns the gene MMP9 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.