Objective To observe the different expressions of matrix metalloproteinases （MMPs） and inhibitory factor in different TCM syndromes of liver fibrosis. Methods The 140 male SD rats were randomized into 4 groups:20 in normal control group

30 in simple liver fibrosis group

45 in liver fibrosis liver stagnation and spleen deficiency group

and 45 in liver fibrosis qi deficiency and blood stasis group. All rats of model groups were treated by CCl4 to establish the liver fibrosis models first

and the rats of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency group were treated by stimulating tails with forceps and gastric infusion of rhubarb decoction

and the rats of qi deficiency and blood stasis group were treated by the method of swimming-fatigue. Then each group was intervened by the relevant medicine. After treatment

the Matrix Metalloproteinases-2 （MMP-2）

Matrix Metalloproteinases-9 （MMP-9） and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloprotienas-2 （TIMP-2） of liver were examined. Results The MMP-2

MMP-9 and TIMP-2 of model groups were significantly higher than those of the control group （P<0.01 or P<0.05）

and the increase of those of qi deficiency and blood stasis group were most obvious. Conclusion The MMPs and inhibitory factor closely relate with liver fibrosis

their expression in different TCM syndromes is different

serving as one of indexes for differentiation of TCM syndromes and evaluating therapeutic effect.