A combination of: a first tetracycline (TC) component； and a second component capable of releasing nitric oxide (NO) or a nitrate capable of mimicking NO effects in vivo (NO mimetic). The combinations of the invention advantageously act as more effective MMP modulators with selective reductions in circulating MMP-9 levels in-vivo and inhibitory effects on MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in-vitro. The combinations of the invention also advantageously act as modulators of inflammation mediators. The co-existence of abnormalities of MMP enzymes and inflammation in many diseases make these characteristics advantageous. Therefore, the various combinations of the invention find utility in medical applications where MMPs and/or inflammation is implicated.
