Serum metalloproteinases 1 and 7 in the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other interstitial pneumonias

MMP-1 and particularly MMP-7 serum levels were significantly higher in IPF than in non-IPF UIP, the main entity in differential diagnosis. The value of these biomarkers as additional tools in a multidisciplinary approach to IPF diagnosis needs to be considered and further explored.