Objective:To evaluate the association of the peripheral levels of the defined inflammatory markers with different types of acute coronary syndrome(ACS) and stable angina, and the role inflammation played in the pathogenesis of ACS. Methods:For understanding the variation of serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1(sICAM-1),C-reactive protein(CRP), and white blood cell count(WBC) and their association with ACS, 90 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and 30 healthy volunteers were recruited. The enrolled people were assigned into four equal groups, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI) group, unstable angina pectoris(UAP) group, stable angina pectoris(SAP) group and healthy control group. The serum levels of MMP-9 and sICAM-1 were measured with ELISA kits, CRP were measured with immunoturbidimetric assay, and WBC number were assessed all before any treatment was administrated. Results:(1)The serum levels of MMP-9,sICAM-1,CRP and WBC in the patients with ACS were significantly higher than those in the control group(P < 0.01). (2)Compared with control group, patients with SAP only had higher serum level of sICAM-1(P < 0.01). While the levels of MMP-9, CRP, and WBC had no significant difference between them(P > 0.05 all). (3)Significant positive correlation between the serum levels of MMP-9 and sICAM-1 and CRP and WBC all were observed in the patients with ACS(P < 0.05). Conclusion: The elevation of serum concentrations of inflammatory markers including MMP-9, sICAM-1, CRP and WBC were associated with initiation and progression of ACS, and they may help predicting cardiovascular events.