MMP9 and neoplasm: MMPs are critical for ECM remodeling, which is essential for tissue invasion, neovascularization, and the progression of diseases involving malignant transformation, tumor progression, age-related pathologies, and cellular senescence.(36) Previous studies have shown that the MMP activity is disrupted in endometriosis.(37) Increased levels of MMPs, such as MMP-2, MMP-9,(38,39) MMP-3,(40) have been observed in the endometriotic tissue and serum of women with endometriosis, indicating their potential role in disease progression.