title: MMP-9 microsatellite polymorphism and multiple sclerosis.
abstract: A polymorphism (PM) in the microsatellite of the promoter region of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), modulating its expression, could play a role in susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS). MMP-9 PM was determined in 95 patients with MS (MS Group) and 95 age- and sex-matched controls (Control Group). Comparison of allelic frequencies showed that a higher number of CA repeats characterized the MS group (P<0.0001) and prevalence of carriers of > or =22 CA repeats was higher in the MS than in the Control Group (OR 3.4, 95% CI: 1.7-6.8, P<0.0001). An earlier age at disease onset was a characteristic of patients with >22 CA repeats (33+/-10 vs. 28+/-10, P=0.027). No differences were found in the main MRI parameters.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical, Morphological and Technological Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume, 447, 34149, Cattinara Trieste, Italy. fiotti@units.it
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fiotti
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zivadinov
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Altamura
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nasuelli
authors.forename: Alessio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bratina
authors.forename: Maria Antonietta
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Tommasi
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bosco
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Locatelli
authors.forename: Attilio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grop
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cazzato
authors.forename: Gianfranco
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Guarnieri
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Giansante
authors.forename: Marino
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zorzon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000235:genetics*; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9