To some extent, this may lead to inaccuracies in the interpretation of the results, but it should be borne in mind that changes in MMP/TIMP levels depend mainly on the underlying CV pathology (e.g., HTN, heart attack, coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, generalized atherosclerosis, stroke, heart failure, diabetes, etc.)and the degree of its manifestation, and not so much by age, sex, or race. The gene discussed is TIMP1; the disease is peripheral arterial disease.