Therefore, we compared plaque levels of total MMP2 and -9 and confirmed, in a larger cohort, our previous finding that MMP2 levels are significantly lower in T2D, plaques, whereas no difference in MMP9 levels was detected (49,255 (IQR 29,302–72,040) vs. 68,905 (IQR 40,639–146,320) pg/gram wet weight plaque, p = 5.0 × 10−4 Fig. 5b)9. Here, MMP9 is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus.