MMP9 and aneurysm: ELISA biochemical determination revealed greater plasma levels (p < 0.01) of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in patients with aneurysms (Groups I and II), compared to control patients (Group III); lower levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, and NGAL (p < 0.01) were found in patients treated with statins (Group I) compared with untreated patients (Group II) (Figure 1).