[Influence of high glucose on secretion and gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 in mouse peritoneal mesothelial cells]. To investigate the influence of high glucose on secretion and expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) in mouse peritoneal mesothelial cells (MPMCs). Mouse MPMCs were cultured in vitro and divided into 3 groups: control group (5.5 mmol/L D-glucose), 25 mmol/L D-glucose group (HG), and 55 mmol/L D-glucose group (HG-HG). After 24 h incubation, cell activity was assessed by MTT method and MMP-2 content in culture medium by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression of MMP-2 mRNA was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Activity of MPMCs was significantly lower, MMP-2 protein and mRNA were higher significantly in HG group than those in control group. Incubation of MPMCs with HG-HG further increased both activity and MMP-2 protein and mRNA expressions. Elevated glucose could induce secretion and expression of MMP-2 in MPMCs in vitro. Therefore, we believe that increased glucose could promote the early stage of peritoneal fibrosis.