A haplotype constituted of four MMP-2 promoter polymorphisms (-1575G/A, -1306C/T, -790T/G and -735C/T) is associated with coronary triple-vessel disease

Functional relevance of MMP2 promoter variants in gallbladder cancer: A case-control study in an Eastern Indian Population

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a prevalent and deadly form of bile duct cancer, associated with poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the genetic factors contributing to the high incidence of GBC in certain geographical regions, particularly in the Northern and Eastern parts of India. The present case-control study focused on MMP2, a gene involved in tumor progression and metastasis, as a potential candidate in GBC pathogenesis. We scanned MMP2 promoter for twelve SNPs using Sanger's sequencing and carried out a case-control study in 300 cases and 300 control samples. We found five rare variants (rs1961998763, rs1961996235, rs1391392808, rs1488656253, and rs17859816) and one nonpolymorphic SNP (rs17859817). Our results revealed a significant association between GBC and MMP2 promoter SNPs, rs243865 (Allelic-Padjusted = 0.0353) and g.55477735G > A (Allelic-Padjusted = 9.22E-05). Moreover, the haplotype "C-C-A-C-C" exhibited a significant association with GBC (P = 4.23E-05). Genotype-phenotype correlation for variant rs243865, in the GBC patient tissue samples, established that 'T' risk allele carriers had higher expression levels of MMP2. Additionally, luciferase reporter assay in HEK293T cells revealed the probable regulatory role of rs243865 variant allele 'T' in MMP2 expression. Our study uncovers the association of MMP2 promoter SNPs with GBC and their role in regulating its expression.

SNP-SNP positive interaction between MMP2 and MMP12 increases the risk of COPD

Determining SNP-SNP interaction of the disease has become important for further investigation of pathogenesis and experimental research. Although many studies have been published on the effect of MMPs gene polymorphisms on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there is a lack of information on SNP-SNP and SNP-environment interactions. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between the polymorphisms of MMP1, MMP2, MMP9 and MMP12 genes and its combined effect with smoking on the risk of developing COPD. Totally 181 COPD patients and 292 healthy individuals were involved. Blood samples from the participants were tested for genotyping and data were collected through questionnaires. Genotyping was performed with nested allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). SNP-SNP and SNP-environment interactions were investigated using multifactor dimensionality reduction and logistic regression analysis. The result showed that participants with high nicotine dependence and heavy smokers had a higher risk of COPD than non-smokers. Also, G/G genotype (cOR = 5.83; 95% CI, 1.19-28.4, p = 0.029) of MMP2 rs243864 and T/T genotype (cOR = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.16-2.76, p = 0.008) of MMP12 rs652438 independently contributes to the susceptibility of COPD. For SNP-SNP interaction, the positive interaction between rs243864 G/G genotype of MMP2 and rs652438 T/T genotype of MMP12 was found, and the combination of risk genotypes has a high risk of COPD (OR = 12.92; 95% CI, 1.46-114.4, p = 0.021). Moreover, the combination of T/T genotype of MMP12 rs652438 and smoking-related factors increases the risk of COPD approximately 4.5 to 6-fold. The results suggests that there is a combination of MMP2, MMP12, and smoking-related factors may increase the risk of developing COPD.

Association of matrix metalloproteinase-2 gene variants with diabetic nephropathy risk

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy is a highly destructive microvascular complication of diabetes. Genetic predisposition is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, with multiple allelic polymorphisms associated with the development and progression of the disease, thereby increasing the overall risk. To date, no study is available that shows the association of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gene polymorphisms with diabetic nephropathy risk. Thus, we investigated the potential genetic influence of MMP-2 promoter variants in the development of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS

In total, 726 type 2 diabetic patients and 310 healthy controls were included in the study and genotyped for MMP-2, -1306C/T, -790T/G, -1575G/T and -735C/T by real-time PCR. The analysis of the outcomes was performed assuming three genetic models. The threshold for statistical significance was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

The results showed that the minor allele frequency of the -790T/G variant was significantly higher in patients with and without nephropathy compared to controls. Furthermore, the distribution analysis revealed a significant association of the -790T/G variant, in all genetic models, with increased risk of diabetic nephropathy that persisted after adjusting for key covariates. No significant associations between MMP-2, -1306C/T, -1575G/T, -735C/T and the risk of diabetic nephropathy were detected. Haplotype analysis identified two risk haplotypes GCGC and GTAC associated with diabetic nephropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study is the first to demonstrate the allelic and genotypic association of the MMP-2-790T/G variant and two haplotypes with an increased risk of diabetic nephropathy in a Tunisian population with type 2 diabetes.

Impact of Alirocumab on Release Markers of Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability in Patients with Mixed Hyperlipidemia and Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaque

Background and Objectives: Atherosclerosis is a disease in the pathogenesis of which plasma factors apart from elevated cholesterol levels play a keyrole. Such factors include osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are factors that may be responsible for the stabilization of atherosclerotic plaque. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of modern lipid-lowering therapy by using proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK-9) inhibitor on the concentrations of these factors. Materials and Methods: The study included people suffering from dyslipidemia who were eligible to start alirocumab therapy. In this group, the concentrations of OPN, OPG, and MMPs were assessed before the initiation of therapy and after three months of its duration. Results: In the study, we observed a statistically significant reduction in the concentrations of OPN, OPG (p < 0.001), and metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) (p < 0.05) after the applied therapy. Moreover, we noticed that in the group of patients soon to start alirocumab therapy, the concentrations of these factors were higher compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of our study show that therapy with alirocumab significantly reduces the concentration of factors that affect atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability, which may explain their important role in reducing cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing this therapy.

Association of MMP-2 genes variants with diabetic retinopathy in Tunisian population with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Few studies investigated the association of genetic difference in metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gene with diabetic retinopathy but with mixed outcome. To investigate the association between a set of MMP-2 genetic variants and the risk of diabetic retinopathy in an Arab Tunisian population with type 2 diabetes.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A retrospective case-control study comprising a total of 779 type 2 diabetes patients with or without diabetic retinopathy was conducted. Genotyping was prepared by TaqMan® SNP genotyping qRT-PCR. The variants used were rs243865 (C/T), rs243864 (T/G), rs243866 (G/T) and rs2285053 (C/T).

RESULTS

The minor allele frequency (MAF) of the rs243864 MMP-2 variant was significantly higher among diabetic retinopathy patients. Setting homozygous wild type genotype carrier as reference, the rs243864T/G allele was associated with increased risk of diabetic retinopathy under the dominant, recessive, and additive models which persisted when key covariates were controlled for, while a reduced risk of diabetic retinopathy progression was seen after adjustment between non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic patients. Furthermore, the heterozygous genotype GT of the rs243866 variant is positively associated with the risk of proliferative diabetic retinopathy in the additive model. A limited linkage disequilibrium (LD) was revealed between the four-matrix metalloproteinase-2 variants. Four-loci haplotype analysis identified, GCTC, TTTC, and GCTT haplotypes to be positively associated with the risk of diabetic retinopathy.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that the MMP-2 variant rs243864 and 243866 are related to the susceptibility to diabetic retinopathy and the progression of the disease in an Arab Tunisian population with type 2 diabetes.

TT genotype of the MMP-9-1562C/T polymorphism may be a risk factor for thrombolytic therapy-induced hemorrhagic complications after acute ischemic stroke

INTRODUCTION

Levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) influence recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) therapy response in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Serum levels of MMPs and TIMPs along with the expression of genes coding these proteins are related to the recovery and appearance of adverse effects (AE) after AIS. Consequently, it is important to explore whether polymorphisms in regulatory sequences of MMPs and TIMPs are associated with rtPA response in AIS patients.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether selected polymorphic variants within MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-2 genes may influence rtPA therapy response with regard to outcomes in patients with AIS and the occurrence of AE.

METHODS

Our study included 166 patients suffering AIS, treated with rtPA. Patients' recovery was estimated using the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 3 months after the AIS occurred. Favorable outcome was defined with scores 0-1 and poor outcome with scores 2-6. Genotyping was performed using real-time PCR (rs243866, rs243865, rs243864, rs2277698, and rs8179090) and PCR-RFLP (rs2285053, rs3918242) methods. Additionally, rtPA AE were followed during the hospitalization.

RESULTS

There was no significant association between genotypes and alleles of selected polymorphisms and rtPA therapy response measured through the decrease of the mRS score in patients with AIS. Intracranial hemorrhage, as well as parenchymal hematoma type 2, was significantly more frequent in patients with TT genotype of the MMP-9-1562C/T polymorphism (p = 0.047, p = 0.011, respectively). Patients with intracranial hemorrhages after rtPA were significantly more likely to have the TT genotype of TIMP-2-303C/T polymorphism and the TT genotype of MMP-9-1562C/T polymorphism (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

TT genotype of the MMP-9-1562C/T polymorphism may be a risk factor for rtPA-induced hemorrhagic complications after AIS.

Gene variability in matrix metalloproteinases in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis

BACKGROUND

The development of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), inflammatory disease of oral mucosa, is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. The aim of this study was to investigate polymorphisms located in seven genes coding different types of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-collagenases (MMP1, MMP8, and MMP13), gelatinases (MMP2 and MMP9), stromelysin (MMP3), and membrane-type metalloproteinase (MMP16) in patients with RAS and healthy controls.

METHODS

Totally, 223 subjects were included in this case-control study and their detailed anamnestic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were recorded. Seventy-seven patients with RAS and 146 controls were genotyped for seventeen polymorphisms in the MMPs genes using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or PCR with restriction analysis.

RESULTS

Allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies of the studied polymorphisms between RAS patients and controls were similar, except for allele distributions of MMP1 rs1144393, MMP9 rs3918242, and MMP16 rs10429371, which were different between patients with RAS and healthy controls (P = .023, P = .049 and P = .025, all P_corr  > 0.05, respectively). Moreover, the comparison of genotype frequencies (TT vs CC + CT) of the MMP16 rs10429371 variant showed a marginally significant difference between RAS patients and controls (P = .05, P_corr  > 0.05, OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 0.95-2.98).

CONCLUSIONS

No significant relationship between investigated polymorphisms in seven MMPs genes and RAS development in the Czech population was observed in this study.

MMP2 Polymorphism Affects Plasma Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 Levels, and Correlates with the Decline in Lung Function in Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Positive to Autoantibodies Patients

Among hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) patients have been identified who develop autoantibodies with and without clinical manifestations of autoimmune disease. Genetic factors involved in this process and the effect of these autoantibodies on the clinical phenotype are unknown. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have an important role in architecture and pulmonary remodeling. The aim of our study was to identify polymorphisms in the MMP1, MMP2, MMP9 and MMP12 genes associated with susceptibility to HP with the presence of autoantibodies (HPAbs+). Using the dominant model of genetic association, comparisons were made between three groups. For rs7125062 in MMP1 (CC vs. CT+TT), we found an association when comparing groups of patients with healthy controls: HPAbs+ vs. HC (p < 0.001, OR = 10.62, CI 95% = 4.34–25.96); HP vs. HC (p < 0.001, OR = 7.85, 95% CI 95% = 4.54–13.57). This rs11646643 in MMP2 shows a difference in the HPAbs+ group by the dominant genetic model GG vs. GA+AA, (p = 0.001, OR = 8.11, CI 95% = 1.83–35.84). In the linear regression analysis, rs11646643 was associated with a difference in basal forced vital capacity (FVC)/12 months (p = 0.013, β = 0.228, 95% CI95% = 1.97–16.72). We identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the risk of developing HP, and with the evolution towards the phenotype with the presence of autoantibodies. Also, to the decrease in plasma MMP-2 levels.

Evidence for the Involvement of Matrix-Degrading Metalloproteinases (MMPs) in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis leads to blockage of arteries, culminating in myocardial infarction, and stroke. The involvement of matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMPs) in atherosclerosis is established and many studies have highlighted the importance of various MMPs in this process. MMPs were first implicated in atherosclerosis due to their ability to degrade extracellular matrix components, which can lead to increased plaque instability. However, more recent work has highlighted a multitude of roles for MMPs in addition to breakdown of extracellular matrix proteins. MMPs are now known to be involved in various stages of plaque progression: from initial macrophage infiltration to plaque rupture. This chapter summarizes the development and progression of atherosclerotic plaques and the contribution of MMPs. We provide data from human studies showing the effect of MMP polymorphisms and the expression of MMPs in both the atherosclerotic plaque and within plasma. We also discuss work in animal models of atherosclerosis that show the effect of gain or loss of function of MMPs. Together, the data provided from these studies illustrate that MMPs are ideal targets as both biomarkers and potential drug therapies for atherosclerosis.

MMP2 gene-735 C/T and MMP9 gene -1562 C/T polymorphisms in JAK2V617F positive myeloproliferative disorders

BACKGROUND

Myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) are clonal hematologic malignancies originating at the level of the pluripotent hematopoietic stem cell. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes that contribute to all stages of malignancy progression. Genetic variants in the MMP genes may influence the biological function of these enzymes and change their role in carcinogenesis and progression. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of associations between the -735 C/T and -1562 C/T polymorphisms in the MMP2 and MMP9 genes, respectively, and the risk of essential thrombocytosis (ET), and polycythemia vera (PV).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The case-control study included JAK2V617F mutation positive 102 ET and PV patients and 111 controls. Polymorphisms were determined by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and electrophoresis.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were detected between patient (ET+PV) and control groups regarding genotype distribution for MMP2 gene-735 C/T and MMP9 gene -1562 C/T polymorphisms and C/T allele frequency (p>0.050). Statistically borderline significance was observed between PV and control groups regarding genotype distribution for the MMP9 gene -1562 C/T polymorphism (p=0.050, OR=2.26, 95%Cl=0.99-5.16).

CONCLUSIONS

Consequently this study supported that CC genotype of MMP9 gene -1562 C/T polymorphism may be related with PV even if with borderline significance.

Genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases and protein levels in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a Mexican population

AIM

To evaluate association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MMP1, MMP2, MMP9 and MMP12 genes and serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in smoking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Genotyping using real-time PCR in 330 smokers with COPD (COPD), 658 smokers without COPD (SNC) and 150 nonsmokers (NCNS), the analysis of samples used was χ(2) test. Using ELISA, the proteins were evaluated. Multiple comparisons were made by ANOVA.

RESULTS

rs243864 (OR: 7.44; 95% CI: 3.62-15.26) and rs11646643 (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.07-2.34) of the MMP-2 gene and rs3918253 (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.08-2.71) of the MMP-9 gene, were associated with the risk of COPD. Serum MMP-2 level in the COPD group was lower compared with SNC (p < 0.05). Serum MMP-9 level was elevated in the COPD group compared with SNC (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Polymorphisms in MMP2 and MMP9 but not in MMP1 and MMP12 are associated with the risk of COPD in the Mexican mestizo population.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gene polymorphism and cardiovascular comorbidity in type 2 diabetes patients

OBJECTIVE

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and vascular disease. We hypothesized that MMP-2 might be a susceptibility gene for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between C(-1306)T functional polymorphism in the MMP-2 gene and risk of CVD in type 2 diabetes patients.

METHODS

We examined 1090 patients with T2DM and 612 controls. All subjects were genotyped for the C(-1306)T polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction analysis.

RESULTS

A significant decrease of T allele frequency was observed in patients with CVD versus those with no CVD (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.36-0.52, p<0.0001). In contrast, OR for CC genotype was 2.19 (1.79-2.68, p<0.0001), conferring 2-fold greater odds for CVD. When the distribution of C(-1306)T was compared in subgroups with different clinical phenotypes of CVD, patients with stroke had the lowest frequency of T allele (6% vs. 11%), compared to entire CVD+ group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

T2DM patients carrying the T allele of MMP-2 C(-1306)T polymorphism have a significantly reduced risk of CVD. The C(-1306)T polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to stroke in T2DM patients.

Relationship between single-nucleotide polymorphism of matrix metalloproteinase-2 gene and colorectal cancer and gastric cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis

Background

Recently, the published data on the association between matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) (C-1306T) polymorphism and colorectal cancer (CRC) and gastric cancer (GC) (gastrointestinal cancer) risk remained controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the risk of CRC and GC and single-nucleotide polymorphism of MMP-2(C-1306T).

Methods

Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, and PubMed were thoroughly searched to identify relevant studies. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of the association.

Results

We performed a meta-analysis of 14 studies including 642 cases and 692 controls for CRC and 1,936 cases and 3,490 controls for GC. The result indicates that there is significant relationship between MMP-2(C-1306T) polymorphism and CRC risk in recessive model and codominant model (TT vs CC/CT: OR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.30–4.37, P=0.005; TT vs CC: OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.29–4.34, P=0.006). In subgroup analysis according to ethnicity, significant associations were found in Caucasians (TT vs CC/CT: OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.43–5.78, P=0.003; TT vs CC: OR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.41–5.80, P=0.003), but we did not find significant evidence with GC in all genetic models, and in stratified analysis according to ethnicity, no significant risk was found in the subgroup too.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis considered that the MMP-2(C-1306T) polymorphism is a risk factor for CRC susceptibility, especially in Caucasians, but it does not support any relationship to GC, and further studies are needed to explore the association.

Patients with chronic three-vessel disease in a 15-year follow-up study: genetic and non-genetic predictors of survival

Genetic and non-genetic predictors of 15-year survival in patients with chronic three-vessel disease (3VD) were investigated. Coronary angiography was performed on 810 subjects with symptoms of stable ischemic heart disease in 1998. The patients with 3VD were genotyped for 23 candidate polymorphisms covering the PPAR-RXR pathway, matrix metalloproteinase-2, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, endothelin-1, cytokine genes, MTHFR and APO E variants. Fifteen-year survival data were obtained from the national insurance registry. All data were available in the case of 150 patients with 3VD. Statistical analysis used stepwise Cox regression with dominant, recessive, or additive mode of genetic expression. Involved variables included age, sex, BMI, blood pressure, diabetes, ejection fraction, left main stenosis, previously diagnosed coronary stenosis, myocardial infarction in personal history, and coronary bypass along with polymorphisms pre-selected by log-rank tests. Out of the 23 polymorphisms, four were included in the model construction. SNP in the IL-6 gene rs1800795 (-174 G/C) has been found to be a significant predictor of survival. This SNP was in a linkage disequilibrium with rs1800797 (-597 G/A) in the same gene (D'=1.0), which was also found to constitute a significant predictor of survival when rs1800795 was not included in the model construction. Age, increased BMI, diabetes, low EF, and left main stenosis were also significant predictors in all models. Age, increased BMI, diabetes, low ejection fraction, left main stenosis, and genetic variation in the IL-6 promoter were established as significant independent risk factors for the survival of patients with three-vessel disease.

The matrix metalloproteinase 2-1575 gene polymorphism is associated with the risk of developing myocardial infarction in Mexican patients

AIM

Was to evaluate the role of seven matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) polymorphisms in the genetic susceptibility to develop myocardial infarction in Mexican individuals.

METHODS

Seven polymorphisms in the MMP genes were genotyped by 5' exonuclease TaqMan genotyping assays in 300 patients with myocardial infarction and 300 healthy unrelated controls.

RESULTS

A similar distribution of MMP2-1306 (rs243865), MMP2-790 (rs243864), MMP2-735 (rs22850553), MMP7-153(rs11568819), MMP7-181(rs11568818), and MMP12-82(rs2276109) polymorphisms was observed in both studied groups. On the other hand, patients showed increased frequencies of MMP2-1575 A allele and AA genotype when compared to controls (pC= 0.001; OR= 1.58 and pC= 0.036; OR= 2.37, respectively). According to the dominant model, individuals with AG+AA genotypes had a 1.65-fold increased risk of developing the disease (p= 0.002). After adjusting for known risk factors, we found a significant contribution of gender, BMI, smoking habit, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension to the inheritance model. In this analysis, individuals with the-1575 AA genotype had a 4.23-fold increased risk of developing MI (p= 0.003). On the other hand, an association of the MMP12-82 polymorphism with the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) was observed. In our study, it was possible to distinguish two risk haplotypes and one protective haplotype for this disease in the MMP2 gene.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the MMP2-1575 (rs243866) gene polymorphism could be involved in the risk of developing myocardial infarction in Mexican individuals.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 functional promoter polymorphism G1575A is associated with elevated circulatory MMP-2 levels and increased risk of cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is a zinc dependent endonuclease that degrades type IV collagen, the major structural component of basement membranes. MMP-2 functional promoter polymorphism G1575A affects circulating level of MMP-2 and may be considered an important genetic determinant of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. In this study, association between MMP-2 1575A allele with serum MMP-2, neopterin and lipid-lipoprotein levels and with SLE and developing CVD was investigated. The present case-control study consisted of 109 SLE patients with and without CVD (mean age, 35.6 years) and 101 gender- and age-matched, unrelated, healthy controls (mean age, 37.1 years) from the population in the west of Iran. MMP-2 1575G/A polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction (restriction fragment length polymorphism) PCR-RFLP, serum MMP-2, neopterin and lipid levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and enzyme assay, respectively. The presence of MMP-2 G1575A allele was found to be associated with SLE and developed CVD (OR = 1.78, p = 0.029 and OR = 3.43, p = 0.025, respectively). The SLE patients with MMP-2 A (G/A + A/A) allele had higher MMP-2 activity (301 ± 166 vs. 194 ± 35.5, p = 0.002), neopterin (29.4 ± 39.4 vs. 7.3 ± 4.6, p = 0.005), LDL-C (120 ± 25.7 vs. 87 ± 39.3, p = 0.045) and lower HDL-C (39.6 ± 11 vs. 45.9 ± 11.8, p = 0.031) levels than the control subjects. There was a significantly positive correlation between MMP-2 level with neopterin, total cholesterol and TG levels and negative correlation with HDL-C level in SLE patients with CVD. MMP-2 G1575A allele may be a risk factor for SLE. The carriers of this allele have high levels of MMP-2, neopterin, total cholesterol and TG and lower levels of HDL, thus, they are more likely to develop heart disease.

Genetic causation of neointimal hyperplasia in hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction

The major cause of hemodialysis vascular access failure is venous stenosis resulting from neointimal hyperplasia. Genetic factors have been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) in the general population. Genetic factors may also play an important role in vascular access stenosis and development of neointimal hyperplasia by affecting pathways that lead to inflammation, endothelial function, oxidative stress, and vascular smooth muscle proliferation. This review will discuss the role of genetics in understanding neointimal hyperplasia development in hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction and other disease processes with similar neointimal hyperplasia development such as coronary artery disease and PVD.

Analysis of MMP2 promoter polymorphisms in childhood obesity

Background

Several lines of evidence suggest a possible functional role of Matrix metalloproteinase -2 (MMP-2) in obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of MMP-2 promoter polymorphisms in percentage body fat (PBF) as a measure of childhood obesity in a New Zealand population.

Findings

546 samples from the Auckland Birthweight Collaborative (ABC) study were genotyped for the three MMP-2 promoter SNPs -1306 C/T (rs243865), -1575G/A (rs243866) and -790 T/G (rs243864) using the Sequenom genotyping platform. The results demonstrated that an MMP-2 promoter haplotype is associated with PBF in New Zealand 7 year old children.

Conclusion

We have previously determined that environmental factors are associated with differences in PBF in this study group, and now we have demonstrated a possible genetic contribution.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in gastrointestinal cancer

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in cancer development and progression and are associated with prognosis. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MMPs, most frequently located in the promoter region of the genes, have been shown to influence cancer susceptibility and/or progression. SNPs of MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -8, -9, -12, -13 and -21 and of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 have been studied in digestive tract tumors. The contribution of these polymorphisms to the cancer risk and prognosis of gastrointestinal tumors are reviewed in this paper.

Genotype association of C(-735)T polymorphism of the MMP-2 gene with the risk of carotid atherosclerosis-vulnerable plaque in the Han Chinese population

The aim of the current study was to explore the possible association of the polymorphism of C(-735)T in MMP-2 with the vulnerable plaque risk in ultrasound-confirmed carotid atherosclerosis cases. Serum MMP-2 levels were measured to investigate the relationship between the MMP-2 level and the genetic variability. The MMP-2 polymorphism was detected by PCR-RFLP in the 243 cases with stable plaque and 221 cases with vulnerable plaque. Serum MMP-2 levels were measured with ELISA. The results showed that MMP-2 was significantly higher in the cases with vulnerable plaque than in the cases with stable plaque. A statistical difference was found between the genotype distributions in the vulnerable plaque cases and that in the stable cases. T-allele frequency was also found to be over-represented in the stable plaque cases than in the vulnerable plaque cases, which might partially explain the observed difference in the serum MMP-2 levels in the different plaque cases. The current results also suggested that MMP-2 was a risk factor in the cases with vulnerable plaques, whereas TT genotype and T allele might be protective factors in the cases with vulnerable plaques.

Association of polymorphisms of zinc metalloproteinases with clinical response to stem cell therapy

AIM

The purpose of this study was to assess the associations of polymorphisms in two metalloproteinase genes-metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-with clinical response to autologous transplantation of mononuclear bone marrow cells (MBMC) in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

METHODS

The double centre study included 48 patients with a first acute myocardial infarction treated with primary coronary angioplasty, stent implantation and transplantation of MBMC. According to the changes in perfusion defect size, left ventricle ejection fraction, end-systolic volume and peak systolic velocity of the infracted wall (dSaMI) after cell therapy, the patients were retrospectively divided into group A (responders) and group B (non-responders). Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral leukocytes by a standard technique using proteinase K. Three MMP-2 promoter (-1575G/A, -1306C/T and -790T/G) as well as I/D ACE gene polymorphisms were detected by PCR methods with restriction analyses (when necessary) according to standard protocols.

RESULTS

Of the 48 patients who received MBMC transplantation, 17 responded to the therapy. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of matrix metalloproteinase-2 triple genotype GGCCTT between responder/non-responder groups (71% versus 61%, p=0.375). Similarly, no differences in either genotype distribution or allelic frequencies of I/D ACE polymorphism between responders and non-responders to the cell therapy were observed (p=0.933). Compared to patients with ACE genotype ID or DD, the patients with ACE II genotype significantly improved in regional systolic LV function of the infarcted wall after implantations of MBMC (dSaMI - 0.4 versus 1.4 cm/s, p=0.037).

CONCLUSION

In our study, the ACE genotype II was associated with improvement of regional systolic LV function of the infarcted wall after implantations of MBMC. The detected polymorphism in matrix metalloproteinase-2 gene was not associated with clinical response to cell therapy.

Is a single nucleotide polymorphism a risk factor for lung cancer in the matrix metalloproteinase-2 promoter?

We aimed to investigate the association of polymorphism frequencies of MMP-2 C1306T and MMP-2 plasma enzyme activity in lung cancer patients. In this study 300 genomic DNA (200 lung cancer patients + 100 no lung cancer) were analyzed. Polymorphisms were determined by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and electrophoresis. Plasma MMP-2 enzyme activity levels were measured by using ELISA. Sex, asbestos expose and smoking might be risk factors for lung cancer. The frequencies of C1306T genotypes in controls CC 65%, CT 32%, TT 3% and in patients CC 61%, CT 37%, TT2 % were found. It was determined that CC genotype frequency increase significantly in patients and controls. Plasma MMP-2 enzyme activity levels were increased in lung cancer patients according to controls. Finally, we claimed that determining of MMP-2 enzyme level can be used as a marker in lung cancer.

Functional polymorphisms in matrix metalloproteinases-1, -3, -9 are associated with arteriovenous fistula patency in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. This study evaluated the association of genotype polymorphisms of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in hemodialysis (HD) patients with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Genotype polymorphism of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 and clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between Chinese HD patients with (n = 170) and without (n = 426) AVF failure.

RESULTS

Significant associations were found between AVF failure and the following factors (hazard ratio): longer HD duration (1.007 per month), lower pump flow (0.991 per ml/min), higher dynamic venous pressure (1.016 per mmHg), location of AVF on right side (1.630 versus left side) and upper arm (2.385 versus forearm), history of cardiovascular disease (1.656 versus absence of history), 1G/1G genotype of MMP-1 -1607 1G >2G SNP (2.315 versus 1G/2G + 2G/2G genotypes), 6A/6A genotype of MMP-3 -1612 5A >6A SNP (1.712 versus 5A/6A + 5A/5A), and C/C genotype of MMP-9 -1562 C>T SNP (1.650 versus C/T+T/T). The positive predictive rates for AVF failure were 63.0% and 6.7% for patients with the highest-risk (1G1G/6A6A/CC) and lowest-risk (2G2G or 2G1G/5A5A or 6A6A/TT or TC) composite MMP-1/MMP-3/MMP-9 genotype, respectively. The unassisted patency of AVF at 5 years decreased significantly from 93.3% to 38.4% for the composite MMP-1/MMP-3/MMP-9 genotypes (lowest versus highest risk, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Specific genotypes of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 with lower transcriptional activity are associated with higher frequencies of AVF failure, which may result from more accumulation of extracellular matrix, leading to AVF stenosis.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 promoter genotype as a marker of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma early stage

The aim of the study was to investigate the DNA polymorphic genotype in MMP-2 promoter gene as a potential candidate region for the development of the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and/or its progression. A total of 89 Czech patients with CTCL (including 23 patients with large plaque parapsoriasis) were compared to 198 controls of similar age and sex distribution, without personal or family history of chronic skin diseases and without personal history of malignancy. The three selected polymorphisms in the promoter of MMP-2 gene (−1575G/A, −1306C/T, and −790T/G) were determined using the PCR-based methodology with RFLP. In our cohort, the associated GGCCTT MMP-2 promoter genotype was highly significantly more frequent in CTCL-Ia stage patients compared to patients with parapsoriasis, the tests having high sensitivity and specificity (78%, 83%, resp.). To conclude, use of associated MMP-2 promoter genotype as a DNA marker might make it possible to distinguish between the patients with parapsoriasis and those with CTCL stage Ia, which could substantially improve possibilities of clinical diagnostics, therapy design, and prognosis of this serious condition in the early stages.

MMP2 genetic variation is associated with measures of fibrous cap thickness: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Carotid MRI Study

OBJECTIVE

Genetic variation in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) promoter regions alter the transcriptional activity of MMPs and has been consistently associated with CHD, presumably through plaque degradation and remodeling. We examined the association of MMP promoter variation with multiple plaque characteristics measured by gadolinium-enhanced MRI among 1700 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Carotid MRI Study.

METHODS

For the analyses presented here, 1700 participants of the biracial ARIC Carotid MRI Study ( approximately 1000 participants with thick carotid artery walls and approximately 700 randomly sampled participants) were evaluated for associations of MMP genetic variation with multiple plaque characteristics, including carotid artery wall thickness, lipid core and fibrous cap measures. MRI studies were performed on a 1.5T scanner equipped with a bilateral 4-element phased array carotid coil.

RESULTS

Fifty-one percent of the participants were female, 77% white, 23% African American, and the mean age was 70 years. MMP2 C-1306T variant genotypes (CT+TT) were significantly associated with higher cap thickness measures, but not with wall thickness or lipid core measures. Individuals with the CC genotype had approximately 0.1mm thinner cap thickness compared to those carrying a T allele (P=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Genetic variation within the MMP2 promoter region was associated with cap thickness and therefore may influence the role of MMP2 in plaque vulnerability.

Polymorphisms of MMP-3 and TIMP-4 genes affect angiographic coronary plaque progression in non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic patients

BACKGROUND

This study examined whether genetic variants of matrix metallopeptidases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) were associated with angiographic coronary plaque progression (PP) in type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

METHODS

Four hundred and ninety-nine patients were grouped, who underwent coronary angiography and received repeat examinations after 1-y follow-up. Twelve functional polymorphisms of MMPs and TIMPs were characterized.

RESULTS

Genotype distribution and allele frequency of -1612 5A/6A MMP-3 and 3'UTR C/T TIMP-4 differed between patients with PP and those without in both diabetic and non-diabetic groups after Bonferroni's correction (all P<0.0041667, except for allele frequency of MMP-3 [P=0.007] and genotype/allele frequency of TIMP-4 [P=0.04 and P=0.016, respectively] in diabetes). MMP-3 and TIMP-4 polymorphisms were associated with changes in percent diameter stenosis and minimal lumen diameter in diabetic patients, and changes in cumulative coronary obstruction in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients (all P<0.05). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that hypertension, low HDL-C and genotypes of MMP-3 and TIMP-4 were independent determinants of PP in the whole patients, with these 2 genetic factors being associated with PP in diabetic and non-diabetic subgroups.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that MMP-3 and TIMP-4 polymorphisms affect angiographic coronary PP in type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 promoter variability in psoriasis

The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 was observed to be significantly upregulated in psoriasis. The aim of this study was to associate the DNA polymorphic variants in MMP-2 promoter gene with psoriasis and/or with psoriasis phenotypes related to psoriasis and comorbid heredity. In the total of 582 Czech Caucasian individuals (386 patients with psoriasis and 196 controls of similar age and sex distribution without personal or family history of chronic disease of the skin), four MMP-2 promoter polymorphisms (-1575G/A, -1306C/T, -790T/G and -735C/T) were detected by PCR methods. A significant association of GG genotype of -790 MMP-2 polymorphism with psoriasis was observed (Pcorr = 0.04). Although no significant case-control differences in frequency of associated GG(-1575)CC(-1306)TT(-790) MMP-2 promoter genotype were observed, the genotype was found to be significantly less frequent in patients with family history of psoriasis (close as well as distant), family history of diabetes and personal history of allergy (2/11 vs. 55/32, odds ratio (OR) for GGCCTT 0.11, 95% confidential interval 0.02-0.50, Pcorr = 0.01). The significant difference between psoriatic patients with positive anamnestic data on diabetes, psoriasis and allergy compared with psoriatic patients that have only positive family history of diabetes was also observed (2/11 vs. 38/31, P = 0.009, Pcorr = 0.04; OR 0.15, 95% CI = 0.03-0.72 for psoriatic patients with GGCCTT genotype and family history of psoriasis, diabetes and personal history of allergy). To conclude, the associated GGCCTT genotype in the promoter of MMP-2 gene was less frequent in patients with positive family history of psoriasis, diabetes and personal history of allergy compared with psoriatic patients without them (2/11 vs. 68/57, P = 0.007, Pcorr = 0.04; OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.03-0.72 for psoriatic patients with family history of psoriasis and diabetes and with allergy). Based on our results, we suggest that the MMP-2 located in the psoriasis susceptibility region on 16q (psoriasis susceptibility 8, PSORS8) should be considered as a gene modulator of psoriasis in specific subgroups of patients. In the future, similar genetic characteristics could contribute to the data assembly of genetic predisposition to psoriasis and could lead to therapy improvement based on time-proved individual pharmacogenetic aspects detected in psoriasis patients.

Molecular genetics of myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is an important clinical problem because of its large contribution to mortality. The main causal and treatable risk factors for MI include hypertension, hypercholesterolemia or dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and smoking. In addition to these risk factors, recent studies have shown the importance of genetic factors and interactions between multiple genes and environmental factors. Disease prevention is an important strategy for reducing the overall burden of MI, with the identification of markers for disease risk being key both for risk prediction and for potential intervention to lower the chance of future events. Although genetic linkage analyses of families and sib-pairs as well as candidate gene and genome-wide association studies have implicated several loci and candidate genes in predisposition to coronary heart disease (CHD) or MI, the genes that contribute to genetic susceptibility to these conditions remain to be identified definitively. In this review, we summarize both candidate loci for CHD or MI identified by linkage analyses and candidate genes examined by association studies. We also review in more detail studies that have revealed the association with MI or CHD of polymorphisms in MTHFR, LPL, and APOE by the candidate gene approach and those in LTA and at chromosomal region 9p21.3 by genome-wide scans. Such studies may provide insight into the function of implicated genes as well as into the role of genetic factors in the development of CHD and MI.

Potentiation and priming of platelet activation: a potential target for antiplatelet therapy

Ischemic cardiovascular events represent the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and platelet aggregation and thrombus formation are the main effectors of acute arterial ischemic events. Although antiplatelet therapy is the cornerstone of antithrombotic treatment of ischemic cardiovascular disorders, available antiplatelet agents have less than satisfactory efficacy; thus, the identification of novel potential target candidates for antiplatelet therapy is highly warranted. Recent evidence suggests that several molecules that amplify the aggregation response of platelets to activating stimuli, which are either released by platelets (potentiating molecules) or present in the milieu before platelets get activated (primers), play a major role in pathologic thrombus formation without being significantly involved in primary haemostasis. These molecules appear to be a particularly appealing novel potential pharmacologic target for antiplatelet therapy. Here, we review the present knowledge on some molecules acting as potentiators or primers of platelet activation and discuss their possible pharmacologic modulation for antithrombotic purposes.

Genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinase 12 and 13 genes are implicated in endometriosis progression

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may contribute to endometriosis. We tested whether eight functional polymorphisms of these genes could modify the risk of endometriosis.

METHODS

In this case-control study, 227 endometriosis and 241 controls were genotyped for MMP1 -1607 1G/2G, MMP2 -1575 G/A (MMP2.1), -1306 C/T (MMP2.2), MMP3 -1612 5A/6A, MMP7 -153 C/T (MMP7.1), -181 A/G (MMP7.2), MMP12 -82 A/G and MMP13-77 A/G. Association between MMP genotypes and superficial (SUP), deep infiltrating (DIE) and endometriomas (OMA) was tested for each polymorphism separately, using unconditional logistic regression and then for combined genotypes, using the combination test.

RESULTS

When considering all cases, MMP2 polymorphisms were found to be significant, mainly due to DIE (P = 0.023). A small difference between SUP and controls was found for MMP7.2 (P = 0.032) and MMP12 (P = 0.035), in the absence of correction for multiple testing. Using the combination test, the best association when comparing SUP with controls was obtained for MMP12-MMP13 (P = 0.004) for the combined genotype A/G-A/A (odds ratio = 27.60, 95% confidence interval: 2.80-272.40).

CONCLUSIONS

These data show a potential role for MMP12 -82 A/G and MMP13 -77 A/G combined polymorphisms in superficial endometriosis. As no association was found with deep infiltrating endometriosis, this combination of polymorphisms might protect from a more in-depth penetration of tissues.

Matrix metalloproteinase circulating levels, genetic polymorphisms, and susceptibility to acute myocardial infarction among patients with coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess systematic differences between patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and patients with stable angina in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) circulating levels and genetic polymorphisms.

METHODS

We identified adults in a large integrated health care delivery system whose initial clinical presentation of coronary disease was either an acute MI or stable exertional angina. A total of 909 patients with acute MI, 466 patients with stable angina, and 1023 healthy older control subjects were genotyped. Serum levels of pro-MMP1, MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, and MMP10 were measured in 199 randomly selected patients from each group.

RESULTS

At a median of 15 weeks after initial clinical presentation, higher circulating levels of MMP2 and MMP9 were independently associated with acute MI after statistical adjustment for conventional risk factors, hs-CRP levels, and cardiac medications. By contrast, none of the polymorphisms in MMP1, MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, or MMP10 was significantly associated with either acute MI compared with angina, or with coronary disease compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating levels of MMP2 and MMP9 are independently associated with development of an acute MI rather than stable angina as the initial clinical presentation of coronary artery disease.

Association of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 promoter polymorphisms with colorectal cancer in Chinese

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9) play an important role in cancer initiation, invasion, and metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether common genetic variants in these two key MMPs are associated with the development and progression of colorectal cancer in a Chinese population. We detected the MMP-2-790T/G, -955A/C, -1575G/A, and MMP-9-1562 C/T polymorphisms in 126 colorectal cancer patients and matched normal controls by PCR-denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) or PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), respectively. We found that the G/G genotype in the MMP-2-1575G/A polymorphism was significantly increased in colorectal cancer patients than in the controls (odds ratio (OR), 1.96; 95% CI, 1.06-3.64). Colorectal cancers with G/G genotype were more common with serosa/adventitia layer involvement than those with G/A+A/A genotypes (P<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in distribution of the MMP-2-790T/G, -955A/C, and MMP-9-1562 C/T polymorphisms or haplotype of MMP-2 SNPs between patients and controls. Our results suggest that the presence of -1575G allele in the MMP-2 promoter region may be of significance in the assessment of colorectal cancer risk and invasive potential.

Genetics of preterm labour

The identification of women at risk of preterm labour remains an important challenge. While current prevention programmes rely on overt clinical and environmental parameters, the clustering of preterm labour within families and recurrence in susceptible women presents the case for a complex underlying genetic predisposition. Genetic polymorphisms are useful markers to identify high risk groups, although they provide little information either to their underlying functionality or the pathophysiological mechanisms involved; these must be validated through complementary analytical approaches. Data interpretation and inter-study comparisons must be made with caution, taking into account population size, study power, racial differences, inclusion/exclusion criteria and any underlying gene-environment and feto-maternal interactions. Large-scale, multicentre genetic studies coupled with high-throughput screening techniques are the most viable approaches to identify multilocus preterm labour susceptibility screening panels. Preventive strategies may then be applied to those women most likely to benefit from intervention.

Myocardial Matrix Remodeling and the Matrix Metalloproteinases: Influence on Cardiac Form and Function

It is now becoming apparent that dynamic changes occur within the interstitium that directly contribute to adverse myocardial remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI), with hypertensive heart disease and with intrinsic myocardial disease such as cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, a family of matrix proteases, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs), has been recognized to play an important role in matrix remodeling in these cardiac disease states. The purpose of this review is fivefold: 1) to examine and redefine the myocardial matrix as a critical and dynamic entity with respect to the remodeling process encountered with MI, hypertension, or cardiomyopathic disease; 2) present the remarkable progress that has been made with respect to MMP/TIMP biology and how it relates to myocardial matrix remodeling; 3) to evaluate critical translational/clinical studies that have provided a cause-effect relationship between alterations in MMP/TIMP regulation and myocardial matrix remodeling; 4) to provide a critical review and analysis of current diagnostic, prognostic, and pharmacological approaches that utilized our basic understanding of MMP/TIMPs in the context of cardiac disease; and 5) most importantly, to dispel the historical belief that the myocardial matrix is a passive structure and supplant this belief that the regulation of matrix protease pathways such as the MMPs and TIMPs will likely yield a new avenue of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for myocardial remodeling and the progression to heart failure.

Polymorphisms in MMP family and TIMP genes and carotid artery intima-media thickness

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Genetic variation in a number of MMP and TIMP genes have been implicated as risk factors for atherosclerosis, although such studies have been generally small and produced conflicting results. We have therefore sought to address this issue in a large, well-phenotyped community population to assess the effect of a number of polymorphisms in both MMP and TIMP genes on carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT).

METHODS

In a community population (n=1000), IMT was determined using ultrasound in the common carotid artery, carotid bulb, and bifurcation. Eight polymorphisms in 6 MMP genes were genotyped (MMP1 A-519G, MMP2 C-1306T, MMP2 C-735T, MMP3 -1171 5A/6A, MMP9 R279Q, TIMP2 G853A, TIMP3 A-915G, and T-1296C) and assessed for their effect on carotid IMT alone and by interaction with common cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

An association was found between MMP9 R279Q and internal carotid artery bulb IMT (P=0.002), but there was no linear trend between allele number and IMT and no association with common carotid artery or bulb IMT. In addition, 3 interactions were found between polymorphisms and hypertension (MMP1 A-519G, MMP3 5A/6A, TIMP3 T-1296C), the latter 2 of which showed a significant trend test for linearity with increasing copy number and increased internal carotid artery bulb IMT. All remained significant after correction for multiple testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide little support for genetic variants of MMP as direct risk factors for IMT. However, the interaction findings between MMP variants and hypertension suggest that hypertensive carriers of these alleles may be at greater risk for increased IMT and future cardiovascular disease. These findings need replication in hypertensive populations to assess their effects more fully.

Functional Polymorphisms in the Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Gene in Relation to Severity of Chronic Periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family are implicated in the chronic remodeling in periodontal diseases. Therefore, we performed a case-control study to investigate a plausible association between susceptibility to chronic periodontitis (CP) and the polymorphisms in the MMP-9 (gelatinase B) gene.

METHODS

Using polymerase chain reaction with subsequent restriction analyses, MMP-9 -1562C/T and R+279Q variants were determined in 304 subjects (169 patients with CP, 76 with a mild to moderate form and 93 with severe generalized CP, and 135 age- and gender-matched unrelated control subjects).

RESULTS

The distribution of the MMP-9 -1562C/T and R+279Q genotypes and alleles did not significantly differ between cases and controls. However, the frequency of the T variant at position -1562 was marginally higher in patients with severe disease compared to those with mild to moderate forms (P <0.05; P(corr) >0.05). In further analysis, the -1562T allele was associated with a severe form of CP in men (odds ratio: 3.87; 95% confidence interval: 1.40 to 10.65; P <0.01 and P(corr) <0.05 for allele; P <0.05 and P(corr) >0.05 for genotype) but not in women.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that genetic polymorphisms of the MMP-9 gene are not associated with the susceptibility to CP in the Czech population; however, the promoter variant may influence the severity of the disease in men.