The combined role of ILs, MMP-12 and HDL in CV organ damage of T2DM patients was confirmed also by our observation that diabetic patients with established organ damage, i.e. with increased carotid IMT, aortic stiffness and LV hypertrophy, had significantly lower plasma levels of HDL and higher levels of ILs and MMP-12 as compared to those without vascular and cardiac impairment. The gene discussed is MMP12; the disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus.