MMP7 and colorectal carcinoma: Notably, significant sex-related differences in serum MMP-7 concentrations were observed, indicating that gender may influence the interpretation of this biomarker.<h4>Conclusions</h4>The discordance between stable MMP7 mRNA expression and declining serum MMP-7 protein levels in advanced CRC suggests complex post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation of MMP-7 during disease progression.