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Causal association between matrix metalloproteinases and gout: A two-sample mendelian randomization study
Da-Wei Chen1, Gaohua Hu2, Li Mao3
1Department of Cardiology, Qichun County People's Hospital, Huanggang, China.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|October 21, 2025
Summary
This study found no evidence that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) causally affect gout. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between MMPs and gout pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Rheumatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are linked to gout pathogenesis.
- The causal role of MMPs in gout remains undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal effects of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) on gout development.
Main Methods:
- Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for ten MMPs and gout.
- Employed Inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode methods.
- Conducted sensitivity analyses including MR-Egger intercept, Cochran's Q test, leave-one-out, and MR-PRESSO.
Main Results:
- No genetic evidence supported a causal effect of MMPs on gout.
- Specific MMPs, including MMP3 and MMP9, showed no significant association with gout risk.
- Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of findings, with no significant heterogeneity or pleiotropy.
Conclusions:
- This MR study found no causal link between MMPs and gout.
- Further investigation is required to elucidate the precise roles and mechanisms of MMPs in gout.
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