CAD patients show statistical significant increases of MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 compared to controls (3.5 and 3.8‐fold respectively, P < 0.001) whereas plasma levels of both TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 were significantly decreased in CAD patients compared to controls (2.22 and 2.28 fold respectively, P < 0.001). The gene discussed is TIMP2; the disease is coronary artery disorder.