BMAL1 and coronary artery disorder: Additionally, BMAL1 can inhibit the extent of atherosclerotic plaque lesions and down-regulate the levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in atherosclerotic plaques, exerting an anti-atherosclerotic effect and reducing the incidence of ischemic heart disease [22,23].