In ex vivo studies (carotid plaques were obtained during endarterectomy of 20 patients in age 50–79 years with TIA lasting less than 24 h), it has been confirmed that oleacein may attenuate the destabilization of carotid plaque by decreasing expressions of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), matrix metallo proteinase-9/neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (MMP-9/NGAL complex) and tissue factor (TF) secretion [12]. The gene discussed is MMP9; the disease is transient ischemic attack.