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Matrix metalloproteinase-9 polymorphism contributes to blood pressure and arterial stiffness in essential

S Zhou1, J Feely, J P Spiers

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.

Journal of Human Hypertension
|June 22, 2007
PubMed

Insights

The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 gene polymorphism -1562C>T influences blood pressure and arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients. T-allele carriers show higher blood pressure and stiffness, indicating increased cardiovascular risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Genetics
  • Hypertension Research
  • Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease

Background:

  • Arterial stiffness is a key predictor of cardiovascular events in hypertension.
  • Serum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 levels correlate with arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk.
  • The specific role of MMP-9 gene polymorphisms in hypertension and arterial stiffness requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of the MMP-9 -1562C>T polymorphism on blood pressure and arterial stiffness.
  • To assess the association between MMP-9 gene variants and cardiovascular risk markers in newly diagnosed hypertensive individuals.
  • To determine if MMP-9 polymorphism is an independent predictor of blood pressure and arterial stiffness.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 215 untreated hypertensive patients, assessing supine blood pressure, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), and augmentation index.
  • Measured serum biochemistry and plasma MMP-9 concentrations.
  • Performed genotyping for the MMP-9 -1562C>T polymorphism after genomic DNA extraction.

Main Results:

  • T-allele carriers of the MMP-9 -1562C>T polymorphism exhibited significantly higher blood pressure, aortic PWV, and serum MMP-9 levels.
  • A significant gene-dose effect was observed for these parameters.
  • The 1562C>T polymorphism independently predicted systolic BP (R(2)=0.25), diastolic BP (R(2)=0.16), and PWV (R(2)=0.47).

Conclusions:

  • This study demonstrates the influence of the MMP-9 -1562C>T polymorphism on blood pressure and aortic stiffness in a hypertensive population.
  • Hypertensive patients with the T allele may face a heightened risk of cardiovascular events.
  • The MMP-9 -1562C>T polymorphism is a significant independent predictor of blood pressure and arterial stiffness in this cohort.

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