Abstract: AIM: To observe the effect of iron depletion on extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) expression in macrophages and foam cells. METHODS: THP-1 monocytes were induced to macrophages and foam cells. Cells were then divided into three groups: 1)normal macrophages/foam cells as control, 2)cells treated with different concentrations of desferrioxamine(DFO), 3)cells co-treated with ferric citrates and DFO. EMMPRIN mRNA and protein expression were assayed by RT-PCR and Western blot. MMP-9 expression was assayed by Western blot and its invasive activity was assayed by gel zymography. RESULTS: DFO significantly enhanced EMMPRIN mRNA and protein expression in macrophages and foam cells and upregulated MMP-9 expression and invasive activity (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Iron depletion therapy enhances production of inflammatory factors in macrophages and foam cells, which may cause deadly cardiovascular events.