The present invention describes dematan sulfate obtained from sulodexide for use in the reduction of circulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs), in particular MMP-9. Dermatan sulfate is useful for the treatment of pathologies wherein the MMPs are involved, such as cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular disease caused by diabetes, varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), gastrointestinal ulcers, pulmonary disease, and neoplastic pathologies.