Association between the MMP-1-1607 1G/2G Polymorphism and Osteoarthritis Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease characterized by articular cartilage degeneration and secondary hyperosteogenesis. Genetic factors are associated with the occurrence of OA. While several studies have shown that the matrix metalloproteinase-1- (MMP-1-) 1607 1G/2G (rs1799750) polymorphism may be related to the occurrence and development of OA, there is inconsistency in the literature. To better estimate the relationship between the MMP-1 gene polymorphism and OA, a comprehensive meta-analysis of relevant literature was carried out.

In total, seven studies comprising 1245 OA patients and 1230 controls were included in this meta-analysis. The combined results revealed no significant association between the MMP-1-1607 1G/2G polymorphism and risk of OA in the five genetic models. However, after Bonferroni correction, the results of subgroup analysis revealed a significant correlation between the MMP-1-1607 1G/2G polymorphism and OA susceptibility in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) OA subgroup (allelic: 2G vs. 1G: OR = 1.575, 95%CI = 1.259-1.972, P < 0.01; recessive: 2G2G vs. 1G1G+1G2G: OR = 2.411, 95%CI = 1.658-3.504, P < 0.01; and homozygote: 2G2G vs. 1G1G: OR = 2.313, 95%CI = 1.341, 3.991, P = 0.003), the younger subgroup (aged less than 60 years; allelic: 2G vs. 1G: OR = 1.635, 95%CI = 1.354, 1.974, P < 0.01; dominant: 2G1G+2G2G vs. 1G1G: OR = 1.622, 95%CI = 1.158, 2.271, P = 0.005; recessive: 2G2G vs. 1G1G+1G2G: OR = 2.209, 95%CI = 1.718, 2.840, P < 0.01; and homozygote: 2G2G vs. 1G1G: OR = 2.578, 95%CI = 1.798, 3.696, P < 0.01), the larger subgroup (N > 300), and the hospital-based case-control study (HCC) subgroup. The sensitivity analysis suggested that the results of the meta-analysis were stable and reliable. Begg's funnel plot and Egger's test indicated that there was no publication bias in this study.

Our meta-analysis indicated that although the MMP-1-1607 1G/2G polymorphism was not significantly associated with OA susceptibility among the whole sample, it played a key role in the etiology and development of TMJ OA and OA in people aged less than 60 years.