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Published on: March 8, 2019
Polymorphisms of the matrix metalloproteinase 9 gene and abdominal aortic aneurysm
L Smallwood1, R Allcock, F van Bockxmeer
1Schools of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Fremantle, Western Australia.
Background:
Increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 activity has been implicated in the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The aim was to explore the association between potentially functional variants of the MMP-9 gene and AAA.
Methods:
The -1562C > T and -1811A > T variants of the MMP-9 gene were genotyped in 678 men with an AAA (at least 30 mm in diameter) and 659 control subjects (aortic diameter 19-22 mm) recruited from a population-based trial of screening for AAA. Levels of MMP-9 were measured in a random subset of 300 cases and 84 controls. The association between genetic variants (including haplotypes) and AAA was assessed by multivariable logistic regression.
Results:
There was no association between the MMP-9-1562C > T (odds ratio (OR) 0.70 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0.27 to 1.82)) or -1811A > T (OR 0.71 (95 per cent c.i. 0.28 to 1.85)) genotypes, or the most common haplotype (OR 0.81 (95 per cent c.i. 0.62 to 1.05)) and AAA. The serum MMP-9 concentration was higher in cases than controls, and in minor allele carriers in cases and controls, although the differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusion:
In this study, the genetic tendency to higher levels of circulating MMP-9 was not associated with AAA.
Insights
Genetic variants in the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 gene were not associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in this study. Higher serum MMP-9 levels in AAA patients did not reach statistical significance.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity is linked to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development.
- Investigating the role of MMP-9 gene variants in AAA pathogenesis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the association between functional variants of the MMP-9 gene and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of MMP-9 gene variants (-1562C > T and -1811A > T) in 678 AAA cases and 659 controls.
- Measurement of serum MMP-9 levels in a subset of participants.
- Assessment of genetic variants and haplotypes association with AAA using multivariable logistic regression.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between MMP-9 genotypes/haplotypes and AAA.
- Serum MMP-9 concentrations were higher in AAA cases than controls, but not statistically significant.
- Minor allele carriers showed higher serum MMP-9 levels, though not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- The genetic predisposition for elevated circulating MMP-9 levels is not associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
- Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the role of MMP-9 in AAA pathogenesis.
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