Plasma levels and zymographic activities of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in type II diabetics with peripheral arterial disease.

Deregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is an important factor contributing to the development of vascular lesions. Plasma levels and zymographic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were investigated in type II diabetics with (n = 51) or without (n = 42) peripheral artery disease (PAD) and in normal volunteers (n = 23). Plasma MMP-2 levels were higher in type II diabetics with (p < 0.