ALB and Hypertension: Matrix remodeling biomarkers (inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 [TIMP-1] and metalloproteinase-9 [MMP-9]) [35], inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) [36], urinary albumin/creatinine ratio [36], and several genetic markers [37] have been shown to be associated with hypertension, and may be useful for hypertension risk stratification.