Matrix Metalloproteinases 9 (MMP-9) has been implicated to have a key pathogenic factor in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). MMP-9 is elevated in intestinal tissue of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD patients have a defective intestinal tight junction (TJ) barrier manifested by an increase in intestinal permeability. The role of MMP-9 in intestinal barrier function remains unclear.