Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and -2 in type 2 diabetes: effect of 1 year's cardiovascular risk reduction therapy.

C ardiovascular risk reduction therapy in diabetic patients reduces vascular events (1) by retarding atherosclerosis and improving vascular reactivity. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are integral to the vascular changes of atheroma, and MMP-9 and TIMP-1 are raised in diabetes (2). We hypothesized that global risk reduction of intensified diabetes and cardiovascular risk management in type 2 diabetes would be associated with reductions in circulating markers of extracellular matrix turnover, namely MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2.