MMP9 and colorectal carcinoma: CRC progression was assessed by measuring tumor burden, mucosal plaque lesions, aberrant crypt foci (ACF), cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), oxidative stress markers, liver enzymes, inflammatory cytokine (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), DNA fragmentation, histological changes, and PCNA expression.