Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of MMP-2 gene in stroke subtypes

Chronic Cadmium Exposure and Genetic Polymorphisms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in a Population Exposed to Steel Slag in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study

Genetic polymorphisms in the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) family genes may be associated with cadmium (Cd) levels and its adverse effects. This study investigated the impact of MMP-2 and MMP-9 polymorphisms on Cd levels in 238 residents of a condominium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, built over an industrial steel slag waste. Polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan validated assays, and the Cd levels were measured in blood (BCd) and urine (UCd) samples by atomic absorption spectrometry. Associations were evaluated by linear correlation coefficients and multiple logistic regression, using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Mean age was 50 ± 15 years; 58% were female, 69% non-smokers. Mean concentrations for BCd and UCd were 0.70 ± 0.2 μg L^-1 and 0.56 ± 0.55 μg L^-1, respectively. Smoking status was associated with BCd ≥ 0.70 μg L^-1 (OR = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.6-5.9). MMP-9 rs17576 A > G was associated with BCd ≥ 0.70 μg L^-1 (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.10-4.05) and UCd ≥ 0.56 μg L^-1 (OR = 3.38; 95% CI = 1.82-7.65). Knowing possible individual predisposing factors is essential to understand Cd toxicity, and to improve the monitoring of high-risk populations.

Advancement of epigenetics in stroke

A wide plethora of intervention procedures, tissue plasminogen activators, mechanical thrombectomy, and several neuroprotective drugs were reported in stroke research over the last decennium. However, against this vivid background of newly emerging pieces of evidence, there is little to no advancement in the overall functional outcomes. With the advancement of epigenetic tools and technologies associated with intervention medicine, stroke research has entered a new fertile. The stroke involves an overabundance of inflammatory responses arising in part due to the body's immune response to brain injury. Neuroinflammation contributes to significant neuronal cell death and the development of functional impairment and even death in stroke patients. Recent studies have demonstrated that epigenetics plays a key role in post-stroke conditions, leading to inflammatory responses and alteration of the microenvironment within the injured tissue. In this review, we summarize the progress of epigenetics which provides an overview of recent advancements on the emerging key role of secondary brain injury in stroke. We also discuss potential epigenetic therapies related to clinical practice.

MMP9 SNP and MMP SNP-SNP interactions increase the risk for ischemic stroke in the Han Hakka population

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association of eight variants of four matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) genes with ischemic stroke (IS) and whether interactions among these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) increases the risk of IS.

METHODS

Among 547 patients with ischemic stroke and 350 controls, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry was used to examine eight variants arising from four different genes, including MMP-1 (rs1799750), MMP-2 (rs243865, rs2285053, rs2241145), MMP-9 (rs17576), and MMP-12 (rs660599, rs2276109, and rs652438). Gene-gene interactions were employed using generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) methods.

RESULTS

The frequency of rs17576 was significantly higher in IS patients than in controls (p = .033). Logistic regression analysis revealed the AG and GG genotypes of rs17576 to be associated with a higher risk for IS, with the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval being 2.490 (1.251-4.959) and 2.494 (1.274-4.886), respectively. GMDR analysis showed a significant SNP-SNP interaction between rs17576 and rs660599 (the testing balanced accuracy was 53.70% and cross-validation consistency was 8/10, p = .0107). Logistic regression analysis showed the interaction between rs17576 and rs660599 to be an independent risk factor for IS with an odds ratio of 1.568 and a 95% confidence interval of 1.152-2.135.

CONCLUSION

An MMP-9 rs17576 polymorphism is associated with increased IS risk in the Han Hakka population and interaction between MMP-9 rs17576 and MMP-12 rs660599 is associated with increased IS risk as well.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Gene Polymorphism and Its Methylation in Stroke Patients

Background

Genetic and environmental factors, along with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and smoking cause accelerated atherosclerosis and, eventually, stroke. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are inflammatory mediators of the endoproteinase family, and their polymorphism and methylation are associated with the development of atherosclerosis and stroke. This study explores this association in the Indian population.

Objective

To study the association of MMP gene polymorphism and methylation with the risk of stroke.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted on 100 admitted patients (both genders) diagnosed with ischaemic stroke. Another 100 healthy subjects, not suffering from any chronic illness or stroke, were taken as controls. All participants were genotyped for rs3918242 (MMP-9) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Methylation of the MMP-9 gene-promoter region was assessed by methylation-specific PCR.

Results

The case (mean age = 61.3 ± 7.36 years old) and control (mean age = 60.68 ± 7.1 years old) groups were age-matched. Among cases, 61 patients were smokers, 55 were diabetic and 53 were hypertensive. A significant risk of ischaemic stroke was associated with the CT genotype (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 7.09; P < 0.001), TT genotype (aOR = 19.75; P < 0.001) and T allele (aOR = 10.71; P < 0.001). MMP-9 methylation decreased the risk of stroke (aOR = 0.23; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

MMP-9 gene-1562C/T polymorphism (SNP rs3918242) (single-nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] rs3918242) is a potential marker to predict ischaemic stroke and constitutes a significant proportion of the general population. Its polymorphism predisposes to ischaemic stroke, while its methylation is protective.

Combination of endothelial progenitor cells and BB-94 significantly alleviates brain damage in a mouse model of diabetic ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is a complication of chronic macrovascular disease in type 2 diabetes. However, the pathogenesis of diabetic ischemic stroke has not yet been fully clarified. The aim of the present study was to investigate the underlying effects of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor BB-94 on diabetic stroke. In vitro experiments were performed using oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model cells, established using HT22 mouse hippocampal cells. MTT assays and flow cytometry revealed that BB-94 prominently induced the proliferation of the OGD/R model cells and prevented their apoptosis. When EPCs and BB-94 were applied to the OGD/R model cells in combination, proliferation was further accelerated and oxidative damage was attenuated. In vivo experiments were also performed using a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model. The results of modified neurological severity scoring and oxidative stress marker analysis demonstrated that EPCs and BB-94 prominently alleviated cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in the MCAO model mice. Furthermore, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot assays revealed that EPCs in combination with BB-94 significantly downregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and upregulated the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 in OGD/R cells and MCAO model mice. The results suggest that EPCs were successfully isolated and identified, and the OGD/R cell and MCAO mouse models were successfully established. They also indicate that EPCs alone or in combination with BB-94 may exert protective effects against ischemic stroke via the reduction of MMP expression.

Rs884225 polymorphism is associated with primary hypertension by compromising interaction between epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) and miR-214

Genetic variations in the 3′UTR of mRNAs as well as sequences of microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can affect gene expression by interfering with the binding between them. In this study, we investigated the role of the following polymorphisms in the risk of hypertension: the 774T > C (rs17337023) polymorphism located in the EGFR 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR), the rs884225 polymorphism located in the sequence of miR‐214, and the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs325797437, rs344501106, rs81286029 and rs318656749 located in the promoter of lncRNA MEG3. Taqman genotyping assays and haplotype analysis tools were used to measure the MEG3 haplotypes and the rs17337023 and rs884225 polymorphisms genotypes. The relationship between MEG3, miR‐214 and EGFR was validated using computational analysis and luciferase assays. Unlike other polymorphisms, only patients grouped according to their rs884225 genotypes exhibited varied EGFR mRNA and protein levels, which indicated that the rs884225 genotype is associated with the expression of EGFR mRNA and protein levels. MiR‐214 was confirmed to bind to MEG3 and 3’UTR of EGFR by showing that the transfection of exogenous miR‐214 significantly down‐regulated the luciferase activity of A549 and H460 cells transfected with wild‐type MEG3 or wild‐type EGFR 3’ UTR. Additionally, MEG3 overexpression inhibited miR‐214 expression while elevating the EGFR mRNA and protein expressions. Meanwhile, MEG3 down‐regulation demonstrated an opposite result, thus establishing the MEG3/miR‐214/EGRF signalling pathway. Our study confirmed that the T > C substitution of rs884225 polymorphism located in miR‐214 binding site in the 3’UTR of EGFR is associated with increased risk of primary hypertension.

Association between estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) polymorphisms can help in the prediction of recurrent implantation failure

OBJECTIVE

To investigate an association between polymorphisms related to the implantation process that together could help in the prediction of recurrent implantation failure (RIF).

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

Private fertility center and reproductive genetics laboratory.

PATIENT(S)

Forty-four women presenting RIF, who were included in study group (RIF group), and two control groups, one with 63 women who were attended at our service and became pregnant after the first IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection attempt (control group I) and other with 65 fertile women who had at least two children without any treatment and no history of miscarriage (control group II).

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Genotyping was performed in the intron region of TP63, VEGFA, MMP2, ESR1, and ESR2 genes and in the 3' untranslated region of the LIF gene on genomic DNA using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULT(S)

The presence of ESR1/AA (rs12199722) and LIF/GT (rs929271) genotypes was more frequent in the RIF group, leading to a 7.9-fold increase in the chance of women presenting with RIF when compared with women who became pregnant on their first cycle of IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and a 2.8-fold increase when compared with women who became pregnant without treatment.

CONCLUSION(S)

The association between ESR1 and LIF polymorphisms can help in the prediction of RIF.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 gene polymorphisms are associated with ischemic stroke in a Hainan population

Ischemic stroke is a complex vascular disease, which has become 1 of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. More and more data showed that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in particular, MMP-2 are deleterious after ischaemic stroke. This study investigated the relationship between MMP-2 and stroke risk in the Southern Chinese population.We evaluated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of MMP-2 in stroke patients in an association study using a case-control design. Six SNPs of MMP2 were selected and genotyped by Agena MassARRAY. SNPStats, Haploview was used to analyze genetic data.Two SNPs in the MMP-2 gene were significantly associated with stroke risk.For rs1132896 (C versus G allele), the C allele was significantly reduced stroke risk (OR = 0.56, 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] = 0.39-0.81, P = .002). The effect of the T allele of rs243849 was IS risk according to an additive genetic model (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.47-0.96, P = .028). We did not found any strong linkage between the six SNPs (rs1132896, rs1053605, rs243849, rs243847, rs243832, rs7201)The results presented strongly indicate that MMP-2 genetic variants are an important mediator of stroke risk.

Association of SNPs in the TIMP-2 gene and large artery atherosclerotic stroke in southern Chinese Han population

Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) regulates the extracellular matrix degradation, which involved in vascular remodeling and dysfunction, destabilization of atherosclerotic plaque and many other pathological processes. The rupture of atherosclerotic plaque is the trigger of Large artery atherosclerotic (LAA) stroke. We speculate that the Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TIMP-2 may have an association with LAA stroke. To prove this hypothesis, we conducted this case-control study. 250 LAA stroke patients and 250 healthy controls were collected for the analysis of TIMP-2 polymorphisms. Among six SNPs, we detected no deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in control group. There was a significant difference in rs4789936 T allele frequency between patient and control groups (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.51-0.91, P = 0.009), which means lower risk of LAA stroke. We observed the rs4789936 had a decreased risk of LAA stroke according to the codominant (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.44-0.92, P = 0.026), dominant (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.43-0.88, P = 0.008), overdominant (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.48-0.98, P = 0.039), log-additive (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.51-0.91, P = 0.009) models analyses. However, these findings could only validate under dominant model (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.42-1.00, P = 0.049) after adjustment of gender and age. The results indicate a potential association between TIMP-2 variants and LAA stroke risk in southern Chinese Han population.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the angiogenic and lymphangiogenic pathways are associated with lymphedema caused by Wuchereria bancrofti

Background

Lymphedema (LE) is a chronic clinical manifestation of filarial nematode infections characterized by lymphatic dysfunction and subsequent accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial space—lymphatic filariasis. A number of studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with primary and secondary LE. To assess SNPs associated with LE caused by lymphatic filariasis, a cross-sectional study of unrelated Ghanaian volunteers was designed to genotype SNPs in 285 LE patients as cases and 682 infected patients without pathology as controls. One hundred thirty-one SNPs in 64 genes were genotyped. The genes were selected based on their roles in inflammatory processes, angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis, and cell differentiation during tumorigenesis.

Results

Genetic associations with nominal significance were identified for five SNPs in three genes: vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) rs75614493, two SNPs in matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) rs1030868 and rs2241145, and two SNPs in carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule-1 (CEACAM-1) rs8110904 and rs8111171. Pathway analysis revealed an interplay of genes in the angiogenic/lymphangiogenic pathways. Plasma levels of both MMP-2 and CEACAM-1 were significantly higher in LE cases compared to controls. Functional characterization of the associated SNPs identified genotype GG of CEACAM-1 as the variant influencing the expression of plasma concentration, a novel finding observed in this study.

Conclusion

The SNP associations found in the MMP-2, CEACAM-1, and VEGFR-3 genes indicate that angiogenic/lymphangiogenic pathways are important in LE clinical development.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40246-017-0121-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Matrix Metallopeptidase-2 Gene rs2287074 Polymorphism is Associated with Brick Tea Skeletal Fluorosis in Tibetans and Kazaks, China

Brick tea skeletal fluorosis is still a public health issue in the north-western area of China. However its pathogenesis remains unknown. Our previous study reveals that the severity of skeletal fluorosis in Tibetans is more serious than that in Kazaks, although they have similar fluoride exposure, suggesting the onset of brick tea type skeletal fluorosis might be genetically influenced. Here we show that MMP-2 rs2287074 SNP (G/A), but not rs243865, was associated with Brick tea type fluorosis in Tibetans and Kazaks, China. The trend test reveals a decline in probability for skeletal fluorosis with increasing number of A alleles in Tibetans. After controlling potential confounders, AA genotype had about 80 percent lower probability of developing skeletal fluorosis than GG genotype in Tibetans (odds ratio = 0.174, 95% CI: 0.053, 0.575), and approximately 53 percent lower probability in Kazaks (odds ratio = 0.462, 95% CI: 0.214, 0.996). A meta-analysis shows that the AA genotype had approximately 63 percent lower odds (odds ratio = 0.373, 95% CI: 0.202, 0.689) compared with GG genotype within the two ethnicities. A significant correlation was also found between the genotype of MMP2 rs2287074 and skeletal fluorosis severity. Therefore, the A allele of MMP2 rs2287074 could be a protective factor for brick tea skeletal fluorosis.

The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase Polymorphisms in Ischemic Stroke

Stroke remains the fifth leading cause of mortality in the United States with an annual rate of over 128,000 deaths per year. Differences in incidence, pathogenesis, and clinical outcome have long been noted when comparing ischemic stroke among different ethnicities. The observation that racial disparities exist in clinical outcomes after stroke has resulted in genetic studies focusing on specific polymorphisms. Some studies have focused on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs are a ubiquitous group of proteins with extensive roles that include extracellular matrix remodeling and blood-brain barrier disruption. MMPs play an important role in ischemic stroke pathophysiology and clinical outcome. This review will evaluate the evidence for associations between polymorphisms in MMP-1, 2, 3, 9, and 12 with ischemic stroke incidence, pathophysiology, and clinical outcome. The role of polymorphisms in MMP genes may influence the presentation of ischemic stroke and be influenced by racial and ethnic background. However, contradictory evidence for the role of MMP polymorphisms does exist in the literature, and further studies will be necessary to consolidate our understanding of these multi-faceted proteins.

Association of MMP-2 gene haplotypes with thoracic aortic dissection in chinese han population

Background

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is the most common life-threatening disorder, and MMP-2 is involved in TAD pathogenesis. Our purpose is to systematically evaluate the association of the MMP-2 gene with TAD risk in Chinese Han population.

Methods

In our case–control study, we recruited 755 unrelated participants: 315 case participants with TAD and 440 controls. Twenty-two tag SNPs were selected from MMP-2 gene and were genotyped. Genotype data were analyzed by logistic regression.

Results

Although we did not find any significant association for MMP-2 SNPs using single-marker analysis, we identified many windows with haplotype frequencies significantly different between case participants and control participants using a variable-sized sliding-window strategy. In particular, the most significant association was shown by a 2-SNP window consisting of rs2241145 and rs9928731 (omnibus test: asymptotic P_asym = 7.48 × 10 ⁻⁵ and empirical P_emp = 0.001867). There were two protective haplotypes: CT (P_asym = 0.00303; odds ratio [OR], 0.403) and GC (P_asym = 0.000976; OR, 0.448).

Conclusions

MMP-2 haplotypes are associated with genetic susceptibility to thoracic aortic dissection in Chinese Han population.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12872-016-0188-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Correlation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 single nucleotide polymorphisms with the risk of small vessel disease (SVD)

BACKGROUND

Maladjustment of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) results in cerebral vasculature and blood-brain barrier dysfunction, which is associated with small vessel disease (SVD). This study was to aim at evaluating correlations between matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 single nucleotide polymorphisms and the risk of SVD.

METHODS

A total of 178 patients with SVD were enrolled into this study via Nanjing Stroke Registry Program (NSRP) from January 2010 to November 2011. SVD patients were further subtyped as isolated lacunar infarction (ILI, absent or with mild leukoaraiosis) and ischemic leukoaraiosis (ILA, with moderate or severe leukoaraiosis) according to the Fazekas scale. 100 age- and gender-matched individuals from outpatient medical examination were recruited as the control group. The genotypes of MMP-2-1306 T/C and MMP-9-1562 C/T were determined by the TaqMan method.

RESULTS

Of 178 SVD patients, 86 and 92 patients were classified as ILI and ILA, respectively. Comparison analysis between SVD patients and controls revealed a significant correlation between SVD and hypertension, as well as a prevalence of hypertension in ILA. Further genotype analysis showed that the frequency of MMP-2-1306 CC genotype was higher in ILA patients than in controls (P=0.009, χ(2) test; P=0.027, the multiple test with Bonferroni correction). Finally, logistic regression analysis with adjustment of age, sex and vascular risk factors showed that the MMP-2-1306 T/C polymorphism was an independent predictor for ILA (OR: 2.605; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.067-6.364; P=0.036).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the MMP-2-1306 T/C polymorphism is a direct risk factor for ILA.

Association of oxysterol binding protein-related protein 9 polymorphism with cerebral infarction in Hunan Han population

BACKGROUND

Oxysterol binding protein-related protein 9 (ORP9) may be related to the pathogenesis of cerebral infarction since it is closely related with glucose and lipid metabolism. The present study was designed to investigate the genetic relationship between ORP9 gene polymorphisms and cerebral infarction (CI) in Hunan Han population.

METHODS

Total 544 cerebral infarction patients (60.0 ± 10.3 years) and 284 healthy controls (59.0 ± 9.5 years) were enrolled. Sociodemographic and clinical data of the subjects, such as age, gender, body mass index, smoking, drinking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density and high-density lipoprotein were recorded, and two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ORP9 gene including rs856600 and rs768529 with high mutation annotation format (MAF) values of 0.103 and 0.485 were studied by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

No statistical difference was observed in allele distributions and frequencies of the two SNPs between control and CI groups. However, the percentage of atherosclerosis in CI group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.001). The frequencies of the TT genotype and T allele of rs768529 were significantly higher in patients with vulnerable plaque than those in patients with stable plaque (p < 0.001, p = 0.002). Logistic association analysis showed no correlations between cerebral infarction and different alleles (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

T allele of rs768529 may be a risk factor for the formation of the carotid vulnerable plaque in Chinese Hunan Han population.

A miR-151 binding site polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region of the cyclin E1 gene associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Genetic alterations in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) have been reported in previous works. However, it remains unclear whether polymorphisms within the miRNA-target binding sites are associated with individual NPC risk. In this study, new experimental and computational approaches were developed to assess the polymorphism frequency distribution within the miRNA sites in NPC patients, and to explore its association with NPC risk. We focused on 220 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 3'-untranslated regions (3'UTRs) of 32 genes carrying putative miRNA-binding sites by specialized algorithms. A total of 9 candidate genes were selected for further investigation, which were reportedly overexpressed in NPC, including EGFR, COX2, CCNE1, hTERT, MMP2, MMP9, NF-κB VEGF, and WNT3. SNPs in 3'UTRs were genotyped by direct polymerase chain reaction sequencing of the genomic DNA of 24 cases and 24 controls. Then, EGFR rs884225, CCNE1 rs3218073, and MMP2 rs7201 were screened with large samples. Based on the analysis of a series of 167 NPC cases and 171 controls from Guangdong Province, statistically significant associations were found between NPC risk and variant genotypes of CCNE1 rs3218073 for TC+TT (OR=1.585; 95% CI=1.023-2.458; P=0.046) and for T-allele (OR=1.464; 95% CI=1.012-2.118; P=0.042). In addition, a significant association among rs3218073 genotype TC (OR=1.959, P=0.043), T-allele (OR=2.123, P=0.006), and primary tumor (T3-T4) was retrieved. Genotype TC (OR=1.959, P=0.043) and T-allele (OR=2.123, P=0.006) of rs3218073 were correlated with increased risk of higher NPC stage (III to IV). In support of the postulation that the 3'UTR SNP directly affected miRNA-binding site, luciferase reporter assay indicated that CCNE1 was a direct target of miR-151, and the rs3218073 T>C change resulted in altered regulation of CCNE1 expression. By contrast, no statistically significant association with NPC risk was found for MMP2 rs7201 and EGFR rs884225 polymorphisms (P>0.05). In conclusion, our data demonstrate that CCNE1 rs3218073 polymorphism located at miRNA-151 binding site is associated with NPC susceptibility and is correlated with NPC stage. These results suggest that CCNE1 rs3218073 polymorphism can be exploited as a novel biomarker for future NPC diagnosis and prognosis.

Matrix metalloproteinase-3 gene polymorphisms are associated with ischemic stroke

Stroke is a heterogeneous disease caused by different pathogenic mechanisms. Several candidate genes for stroke have been proposed, but few have been replicated. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are expressed following stroke. We investigated the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MMP3 gene with stroke in the Korean population. This study included 186 stroke patients [116 ischemic stroke (IS) and 70 intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)] and 668 age-matched control subjects (267 for IS and 401 for ICH). Three SNPs [rs520540 (Ala362Ala), rs602128 (Asp96Asp), and rs679620 (Lys45Glu)] in the coding region of MMP3 were selected and genotyped by direct sequencing. HelixTree, SNPAnalyzer, SNPStats, and Haploview version 4.2 were used to analyze genetic data. Multiple logistic regression models (codominant, dominant, and recessive models) were conducted to evaluate odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, and P value. Three SNPs in the MMP3 gene were significantly associated with IS (P<0.05). The genotype distribution of 3 SNPs differed between the IS and control subjects. However, there was no association of the SNPs between the ICH and control. In analysis of gender, 3 SNPs were also associated with IS in female group (P<0.05). These SNPs remained significantly associated with IS after the Bonferroni correction for multiple testing (P(c)<0.05). Haplotype analysis revealed that no haplotypes were associated with IS or ICH. Overall, the results of our study demonstrate an association of the MMP3 gene with development of IS, and no association of MMP3 with ICH.

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.

Angiogenesis in old-aged subjects after ischemic stroke: a cautionary note for investigators

Angiogenesis represents a form of neovascularisation of exceptional importance in numerous pathological conditions including stroke. In this context it is directly related to neuroregeneration which is seen in close proximity. However, numerous experimental data have been drawn from studies that have ignored the age criterion. This is extremely important as angiogenesis is different in young versus old subjects. Extrapolating data obtained from studies performed in young subjects or "in vitro" to old-age patients could lead to inexact conclusions since the dynamics of angiogenesis is age-dependent.

The current review covers the key features of brain senescence including morphological and functional changes related to the brain parenchyma, its vascular network and blood flow which could possibly influence the process of angiogenesis. This is followed by a description of post-stroke angiogenesis and its relationship to neuroregeneration and its modulation by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF 1), the most important factors active in old brain after ischemic injury.

Polymorphisms associated with both noncardioembolic stroke and coronary heart disease: vienna stroke registry

Noncardioembolic stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) may share genetic predispositions. We tested the hypothesis that genetic variants which are associated with risk of CHD would also be associated with risk of noncardioembolic stroke in 562 cases from the Vienna Stroke Registry and 815 controls. We selected 6 gene variants that had been consistently associated with risk of CHD in 3 studies, including the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, and found that 4 of these gene variants were also associated with risk of noncardioembolic stroke. The odds ratios for noncardioembolic stroke were 1.31 (90% CI 1.07-1.60) for rs3900940 in MYH15, 1.24 (90% CI 1.01-1.5) for rs20455 in KIF6, 1.21 (90% CI 0.99-1.49) for rs1010 in VAMP8, and 1.20 (90% CI 0.95-1.50) for rs10757274 on chromosome 9p21.

Technologies in the Whole-Genome Age: MALDI-TOF-Based Genotyping

With the decipherment of the human genome, new questions have moved into the focus of today's research. One key aspect represents the discovery of DNA variations capable to influence gene transcription, RNA splicing, or regulating processes, and their link to pathology. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) is a powerful tool for the qualitative investigation and relative quantification of variations like single nucleotide polymorphisms, DNA methylation, microsatellite instability, or loss of heterozygosity. After its introduction into proteomics, efforts were made to adopt this technique to DNA analysis. Initially intended for peptide/protein analysis, it held several difficulties for application to nucleic acids. Today, MALDI-TOF-MS has reached worldwide acceptance and application in nucleic acid research, with a wide spectrum of methods being available. One of the most versatile approaches relies on primer extension to genotype single alleles, microsatellite repeat lengths or the methylation status of a given cytosine. Optimized methods comprising intelligent primer design and proper nucleotide selection for primer extension enabled multiplexing of reactions, rendering the analysis more economic due to parallel genotyping of several alleles in a single experiment. Laboratories equipped with MALDI-TOF-MS possess a universal technical platform for the analysis of a large variety of different molecules.

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.

Polymorphisms of MMP-2 gene are associated with systolic heart failure prognosis

BACKGROUND

MMP-2 is a proteolytic enzyme involved in myocardial remodeling that occurs in congestive heart failure (HF). We hypothesized MMP-2 genetic variations could influence the prognosis of systolic HF.

METHODS

To test our hypothesis, we performed a follow-up study of 605 patients with systolic HF. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MMP-2 (rs243864, rs243866, rs17859821) were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods.

RESULTS

Totally 526 patients (86.9%) were followed up. At follow up (median 24 months), 116 patients (22.1%) died, 102 patients (19.4%) were readmitted because of HF. One, two, three and four year survival rate was 86.9%, 81%, 77.9% and 77.9%. MMP-2 rs17859821 A allele carriers had lower all cause death rate, cardiac death rate and MACE rate than did GG genotype carriers (OR = 0.655, 0.580, 0.705; P = 0.030, 0.008, 0.011). After adjustment for age, bundle branch block, LVEF and NYHA grade by using cox regression analysis, MMP-2 A allele carriers had lower cardiac death rate and MACE rate than did GG genotype carriers (OR = 0.643 and 0.746; P < 0.05). However, the genotypes had no association with plasma levels of proMMP-2. Haplotype analysis had confirmed the above results. MMP-2 rs243866, rs243864 had no association with systolic HF prognosis.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study suggest that MMP-2 rs17859821 A allele was associated with better prognosis of systolic HF in the northern Han Chinese population.