We interpret these findings as suggestive of an increased activation of remodeling at the earlier time point and less activation at 12 W. Moreover, other markers of tissue remodeling, i.e., MMP2 and 9, as well as alpha smooth muscle actin, were modified in their temporal gene expression during the chronic postoperative period in the DM+Pio group, which may explain the differences in media proliferation and calcification as a result. Here, MMP2 is linked to diabetes mellitus.