Influence of genetic polymorphism in matrix metalloproteinase-3 on extent of coronary atherosclerosis and risk of coronary artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) is key member of the MMP family. It is known to be present in coronary atherosclerosis. Several studies have demonstrated that MMP-3 5A/6A polymorphism modifies each transcriptional activity in an allele-specific manner. We hypothesized that this polymorphism may be a risk factor for the development of coronary artery stenosis (CAS). We estimated the effect of MMP3 (5A/6A) gene polymorphism on CAS risk in an Iranian population.

METHODS

One hundred ninety patients with CAS and 200 healthy controls were in this study. MMP3 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).

RESULTS

Significant differences between cases and controls were observed for MMP3 genotype frequencies (chi(2)=199.305, p<0.001). The 6A allele was less frequently seen in the control group compared with the disease group (85.79 vs. 78%, 6A/6A+5A/6A vs. 5A/5A, p< or =0.05). Association of this polymorphism with CAS severity was evaluated in the two groups, and distribution of the MMP3 genotype was not significantly different as compared with CAS severity (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These data imply involvement of the -1612 5A/6A polymorphism in CAS and also that the 6A/6A MMP-3 genotype is a genetic susceptibility factor for CAS (but does not affect disease severity).