MMP9 and Hypertension: However, the serum level of MMP-9 is significantly elevated in subjects with MetS and subjects with either one of the cardio-metabolic abnormalities (i.e., central obesity, low HDL-C, hypertension, elevated fasting blood glucose and high blood triglycerides), suggesting that any one of the cardio-metabolic abnormalities might be associated with the elevation of circulating MMP-9.