In one population-based study containing 2983 participants, higher MMP12 level was independently associated with ischemic stroke risk (HR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.16–1.45, P = 4.55 × 10−06).35 In contrast, our study is consistent with another genetic study which showed an inverse relationship between MMP12 circulating level and risk of ischemic stroke.36 FXI is mediated by F11 and was recently proved to be intensively related to the pathogenesis of thrombosis. This evidence concerns the gene MMP12 and ischemic stroke.