Role of serum MMP-9 levels and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms in the susceptibility to coronary artery disease: An association study in Iranian population.

BACKGROUND

Data concerning the association of serum levels of vitamin D and metalloproteinases and vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism with coronary artery disease (CAD) is not fully demonstrated. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism, serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) with CAD.

METHODS

104 patients with CAD and 69 Non-CAD subjects were included in current study. Vitamin D receptor genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP method. The 25(OH) vitamin D and MMP-9 were determined by ELISA assay.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction of vitamin D in CAD patients (P=0.001). The metalloproteinase 9 levels of CAD patient was increased significantly compared with controls (P=0.001). A significant reverse correlation also was found between MMP-9 concentration and 25(OH) vitamin D levels of patients (r=-0.28, P<0.001). In addition, we identified that VDR gene FokI polymorphism was significantly associated with CAD. Furthermore, MMP-9 levels of CAD patients with ff genotype of FokI polymorphism was higher significantly than patients with FF and Ff genotypes. It has been also found that MMP-9 levels of CAD patients with ff genotype of FokI polymorphism was higher significantly than patients with FF and Ff genotypes.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that 25(OH) vitamin D, MMP-9 levels and VDR gene FokI polymorphisms play a critical role in the development and progression of CAD and may contribute to susceptibility to CAD in Iranian populations.