MMP9 and neoplasm: MMPs are a family of endopeptidases that are secreted by different inflammatory and tumor cells as zymogens and are subsequently activated by proteinases [10]. MMP-2, MMP-8 and MMP-9 are the proteases that lead to atherosclerotic plaque rupture and clinical events by degenerating structural components of the plaque matrix [10]. An elevated MMP-2 is associated with an increased rate of subsequent ischemic cerebrovascular events [10,22].