Serum iron and matrix metalloproteinase-9 variations in limbs affected by chronic venous disease and venous leg ulcers.

Background: Severe chronic venous disease (CVD) is characterized by both dermal hemosiderin accumulation and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) hyperactivation. The iron-driven pathway is one of the recognized mechanisms of MMP hyperactivation.

Objective: To investigate the potential consequences of leg hemosiderin deposits on both iron metabolism and activation of MMPs.