MMP9 and brain ischemia: Risk factors for cerebral ischemia associated with atherosclerotic plaque include inflammation within the plaque (e.g., MMP-9 concentration predicts the occurrence of cerebral ischemia), large plaque surface area (over 40 mm2), ulceration of its surface, a high lipid-necrotic load, and the presence of plaque vascularization (angiogenesis) [46,47].