The ratio of (active MMP-1)/TIMP-1 and (active MMP-1)/TIMP-2 were significantly decreased in varicose veins (n = 6, Fig 5A and 5C and Fig 6A and 6C) and increased in AAA preparations (n = 6–7, Figs 5B and 6B) as compared with their respective healthy vessels (n = 4–5). This evidence concerns the gene MMP1 and triple-A syndrome.