Effect of matrix metalloproteinase-21 (572C/T) polymorphism on HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder

Remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is a presumed reason for the development of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The coding region polymorphism in MMP-21 572C/T gene may have a potential functional effect on ECM remodeling. Hence, we aimed to examine the association of MMP-21 polymorphism with the modulation of HAND severity and its prevalence in HIV-infected and healthy individuals. Genotyping of MMP-21 572C/T polymorphism was performed by PCR-RFLP in total 150 HIV-infected individuals, 50 with HAND, 100 without HAND and 150 healthy controls. MMP-21 572TT genotype was predominantly higher in HAND patients compared with no HAND (OR = 1.63, p = 0.57). MMP-21 572T allele was associated with reduce risk for HAND severity (OR = 0.50, p = 0.04). Similarly, MMP-21 572TT genotype underrepresented in HIV-infected individuals compared to healthy controls (3.0% vs 6.7%, OR = 0.27, p = 0.08). MMP-21 572CT genotype and early HIV disease stage showed a higher risk for the advancement of HIV disease with marginal significance (OR = 1.89, p = 0.07). MMP-21 572CT genotype increased the risk for the modulation of HAND severity in tobacco users (OR = 1.98, p = 0.43). MMP-21 572CT genotype among tobacco and alcohol users showed elevated risk for the development of HAND in HIV-infected individuals (OR = 2.30, p = 0.15; OR = 1.86, p = 0.23). Similarly, MMP-21 572TT genotype enhanced the risk for the development of HAND in tobacco users (OR = 3.48, p = 0.40). In conclusion, the presence of coding region 572T allele may have protection for HAND severity. MMP-21 572C/T polymorphism and tobacco and alcohol usage may facilitate the development of HAND.