Angiotensin II induces the production of MMP-3 and MMP-13 through the MAPK signaling pathways via the AT1 receptor in osteoblasts

► Angiotensin II (Ang II) increases MMP-3 and -13 productions via AT1 in osteoblasts. ► Phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and SAPK/JNK is increased by Ang II treatment. ► MEK1/2 and JNK inhibitor suppressed Ang II-induced MMP-3 and -13 productions. ► Ang II does not influence the plasminogen/plasmin pathway in osteoblasts. ► Ang II may stimulate the degradation process that occurs during turnover in osteoid.