Melittin has an inhibitory effect on TNF-α-induced migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells by blocking the MMP-9 expression

► Melittin inhibits MMP-9 and MMP-2 activities in HASMCs. ► ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways are involved in the inhibition of TNF-α-induced MMP-9 expression by melittin in HASMCs. ► Melittin suppresses TNF-α-induced MMP-9 expression by reducing the IκB/NF-κB signaling pathway in HASMCs. ► Melittin suppresses TNF-α-induced HASMCs migration by inhibiting MMP-9 expression.