MMP9 and neoplasm: For example, they can release molecules that promote tumor angiogenesis, such as vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), heparin, interleukin-8 (IL-8), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), trypsin-like proteases, and chymotrypsin (69).