MMP9 and Stroke: Several studies have shown that inflammatory mediators and acute-phase response markers (C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin 6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], matrix metalloproteinase 9 [MMP-9])28, components of the coagulation system and hemostasis (thrombomodulin, D-dimer, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor [vWF])29, 30, 31, 32, markers of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA])33 and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP)34 appear to identify the ischemic nature of stroke.