MMP9 and cancer: Its tumorigenic activity is mediated by activating the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-κB, which induces the expression of genes related to the progression and development of cancer, including (i) antiapoptotic genes such as Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Survivin, and c-IAP1/2; (ii) invasive genes (MMP-9, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1); (iii) growth factors (Cyclin D1, c-MYC, interleukin 1, and interleukin 6; and (iv) angiogenic factors (VEGF)170,171.