The protective role of the -735C/T and the -1306C/T polymorphisms of the MMP-2 gene in the development of primary open-angle glaucoma.

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix components, resulting in ocular tissue damage. The -735C/T and -1306C/T polymorphisms recognized in the promoter region of the MMP-2 gene resulting in its expression level were investigated in association with the development of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in a Polish population.

METHODS

DNA samples collected from 271 patients with POAG and 281 healthy controls were used in this study. Polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Clinical parameters of the rim area (RA) and retinal neuron fiber layer (RNFL) were also analyzed.

RESULTS

We found that the -735C/T and -1306C/T polymorphisms of MMP-2 were not associated with a risk of POAG. However, both the -735T/T (OR = 0.18 (0.04-0.92) p = 0.03) and the -1306T/T (OR = 0.14 (0.03-0.67) p = 0.007) genotypes of MMP-2 were significantly associated with the rim area factor in early stage of POAG suggesting its protective role in the disease progression.

CONCLUSION

Finally, our data suggest that gene polymorphisms of MMP-2 may have a protective role in the progression of primary open-angle glaucoma in a Polish population.