MMP9 and colorectal carcinoma: The potential mechanism of action may involve modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which activates the Akt/mTOR and STAT-3 signaling pathways in SW480 cells, upregulates MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), ultimately promoting the development of CRC (38).