title: MMP2 gene polymorphisms and MMP2 mRNA levels in patients with superficial varices of lower extremities.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although superficial varices of lower extremities with high morbidity are common, their etiology has not been elucidated yet. Previously, it was thought that venous hypertension was responsible for such cases by causing valvular insufficiency, but recent findings indicate that the changes in the venous wall structure might be main initiating factors. Matrix metalloproteinase enzyme-2 (MMP2) is one of the enzymes known to have functions in remodelling of the extracellular matrix mainly in vascular structures.
  
  
  METHODS
  We studied two functional gene polymorphisms in -735 and -1306 regions of matrix metalloproteinase enzyme-2 (MMP2) gene, and their effects on mRNA expression of MMP2. We used a previously defined (PCR-RFLP) method for polymorphism analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  CC genotype and C allele for MMP2 -735 gene region were more common in the control group and there was no significant difference between groups for MMP2 - 1306 gene polymorphisms. MMP2 mRNA levels were higher in the group that had both varices and coronary artery disease (CAD).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was no significant effect of MMP2 polymorphisms on mRNA expression. As MMP2 mRNA levels were higher in varices patients with CAD compared to the CAD only and varices only groups, it is necessary to make advanced researches to elucidate the relationship between CAD and varices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Bilim University, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Uzay
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Görmüş
authors.forename: Ozlem Timirci
authors.initials: OT
authors.lastname: Kahraman
authors.forename: Selim
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Isbir
authors.forename: Atike
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tekeli
authors.forename: Turgay
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Isbir
mesh_terms: D024506:5' Flanking Region / Q000235:genetics; D000483:Alleles; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D005787:Gene Frequency / Q000235:genetics; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2