Objective To discuss the relationship between matrix metalloproteinases and its tissue inhibitors and tissue fibrosis.Methods The related internal and external literatures were retrieved.Results The basic character of tissue fibrosis is that extra cellular matrix(ECM) excessively deposit and tissue structure is rebuilt,and the decrease of ECM's degradation is one of main reasons that lead to the excessive deposit.Matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases(TIMPs) are main regulator of degradation of ECM proteins.Conclusion The MMPs and TIMPs have very important significance in occurrence,development and clinical therapy of tissue fibrosis,they need further research.