PLAT and brain ischemia: Similar to AD, MMPs were found to be important biomarkers in brain ischemic stroke, a neurological disorder that accounts for the highest levels of morbidity and mortality worldwide.46 Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) is currently the only safe and effective treatment for brain ischemia.47 However, its therapeutic window is severely limited, and it must be administered within 3 h of stroke onset.