Genetic polymorphism of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 does not affect plasma MMP-9 activity in healthy subjects.
BACKGROUND
Plasma MMP-9 levels have been shown to predict cardiovascular risk, and a functional substitution C to T at position -1562 in the promoter region of the MMP-9 gene has been associated with the severity of cardiovascular diseases. We examined the association between the C(-1562)T polymorphism and MMP-9 activity in healthy subjects.


METHODS
We studied 200 healthy male white volunteers (age range: 20-55 y) who were nonsmokers and were not taking medicines. Genomic DNA was extracted and genotypes for the C(-1562)T polymorphism were determined by PCR and restriction fragment length digestion. Plasma was assayed for pro-MMP-9 and MMP-9 activities by gelatin zymography.


RESULTS
The frequency of the alleles "C" and "T" were 90% and 10%, respectively. Because of the relatively low frequency of the TT genotype, we combined both TT and CT genotypes together (CT+TT group) and compared with the CC genotype group. We found no differences in pro-MM9 and MMP-9 activity levels among the genotype groups (both P>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
While the present study indicates lack of effect for the C(-1562)T polymorphism on MMP-9 activity in plasma, it is possible that the C(-1562)T polymorphism contributes to an increased cardiovascular risk under conditions of induced MMP-9 expression.
Demacq
Caroline
C
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14049-900 Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
de Souza
Ana P
AP
Machado
Alcyone A
AA
Gerlach
Raquel F
RF
Tanus-Santos
Jose E
JE
D000328:Adult; D001483:Base Sequence; D017931:DNA Primers; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012016:Reference Values
D017931:DNA Primers; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9