Aim To study the effect of advanced glycation end products(AGE)on the expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer(EMMPRIN)and the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)in cultured mouse macrophage(J774A.1).Methods The AGE-BSA was prepared by incubating bovine serum albumin(BSA)with glucose.The cultured J774A.1 was intervented with AGE-BSA(50,100,200,400 mg/L)for 24 h or 200 mg/L AGE-BSA for 12,24,48 h,respectively,taking DMEM and BSA as negative control.The mRNA expression of EMMPRIN in J774A.1 was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and the concentration of EMMPRIN in the supernatant was quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The activity of MMP-9 in J774A.1 was determined by gelatin enzymogram method.Results Compared with that in the cells incubated with DMEM and BSA,the level of EMMPRIN mRNA,the concentration of EMMPRIN in the supernatant and the activity of MMP-9 in the cells incubated with 50,100,200 or 400 mg/L AGE-BSA,respectively,for 24 h or with 200 mg/L AGE-BSA for 12,24,48 h,respectively,was increased in a dose and time dependent manner significantly(P<0.05).Moreover,with the increasing concentration of AGE-BSA or the extended incubating time,the level of EMMPRIN mRNA,the concentration of EMMPRIN in the supernatant and the activity of MMP-9 increased singnificantly(P<0.05).Concluions The AGEBSA can stimulate the expression of EMMPRIN,the secretion of EMMPRIN and the activity of MMP-9 in cultured J774A.1,indicating its effect on atherogenesis and plaque rupture.