Two SNPs (rs17368582, rs2276109) in this LD-block have previously been shown to directly influence MMP12 expression by affecting the affinity of an AP-1 binding site in the MMP12 promoter region [24], [25], and another variant in this block (rs17361668) is associated with increased fibrinogen levels, leading to an increased risk of developing advanced carotid atherosclerotic lesions, and an increased risk of myocardial infarction. Here, MMP12 is linked to myocardial infarction.