Objectives: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and their ratio (MMP-9/TIMP-1) are involved in multiple processes that are associated with coronary heart disease and are especially associated with cardiovascular events. However, few longterm population-based clinical studies have evaluated the role of these factors in cardiovascular events in a Chinese population. Methods: A prospective study was performed on 560 patients with mild to moderate coronary artery lesions. MMP-9, TIMP-1 and their ratio were determined. Results: A total of 522 of patients completed the follow-up. The median follow-up time was 64 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a clear increase of the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) during the follow-up period in subjects with above-median levels of TIMP-1 (p = 0.033), whereas there was no association with either MMP-9 (p = 0.199) or MMP-9/TIMP-1 (p = 0.631). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed the same results after further adjustment for covariates. Patients with above-median levels of TIMP-1 were more likely to suffer from adverse outcomes than patients with below-median levels of TIMP-1. However, the lack of relationship of MACEs with MMP-9 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 remained. Conclusions: Higher circulating TIMP-1 concentrations were associated with cardiovascular events during long-term follow-up of Chinese patients with mild to moderate coronary artery lesions. (C) 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel