Abstract: Background/Aims: Resolution of liver fibrosis is possible but the identity of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which degrade the accumulated collagens is uncertain. We examined MMP‐2 and MMP‐14 expression in established and resolving fibrosis to assess their role in resolution of liver fibrosis.

Methods: MMP and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐2 expression in liver extracts was examined by ribonuclease protection assay, Western blotting and gelatin zymography. MMP activity was examined by ¹⁴C gelatin degradation.

Results: In human cirrhotic liver, MMP‐14 mRNA was increased to 230–330% of normal liver expression. Both 63 kDa proenzyme and 60 kDa activated form were present. Cirrhotic livers had 270–320% of normal liver expression of MMP‐2 protein with 20–25% being the 62 Da activated form. Protein and mRNA for MMP‐2 and MMP‐14 progressively increased during 8 weeks of CCl₄ treatment in rats. Between 3 and 7 days of resolution from CCl₄ liver fibrosis, MMP‐2 and MMP‐14 persisted at elevated levels. Gelatinolytic activity in liver homogenates peaked at 7 days of recovery, being 140% above that in livers at peak fibrosis.

Conclusions: Increased expression and activation of MMP‐2 and ‐14 occurs even under conditions of elevated TIMPs during liver fibrogenesis. During liver fibrosis resolution, as TIMP expression decays, the persistence of MMP‐2 and MMP‐14 may permit collagen degradation.