Matrix metalloproteinases aid in healing by breaking down elements around wounds and allowing cells like microglia to clean up wounds.

“And these matrix metalloproteinases, it's kind of a mouthful, but these matrix metalloproteinases are very interesting. Anytime you see A-S-E, ASE that's generally an enzyme, which means that these compounds in this case, these matrix metalloproteinases are used to break down certain elements around wounds and scoring which might sound like a bad thing, but in some cases is good because it allows certain cells like glial cells so-called microglia to come in like low ambulances, like low paramedics and clean up wounds.”