Objective　We investigated the correlation of MMP-2，MMP-14 with the vulnerability of carotid plaque. Our study was to explore the related factors which influence the stability of the plaques. Methods　Carotid plaques were collected from patients undergoing CEA in the Department of Neurosurgery of the First people’s Hospital of Lianyungang. 55 patients were recruited between January 2018 and June 2019.All of the plaques were divided into 23 stable carotid plaques and 32 vulnerable carotid plaques by imaging and histological analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used toloca lize the expression level of MMP-2 and MMP-14 in stable and vulnerable plaques. Results　Density analysis revealed that the immunohistochemical staining of MMP-2 and MMP-14 were more intense among samples from vulnerable group than those from stable group. MMP-2 and MMP-14 staining was positive in ulcer plaque and the atheromatous lesions. Conclusion　The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-14 were associated with plaque vulnerability of human carotid plaques，which is an important factor affecting the stability of plaques.