Polymorphisms of the Matrix Metalloproteinase Genes are Associated with Acute Ischemic Stroke in Chinese Han Population.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Studies have shown that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2,3,9) plays an important role in the pathologic process of ischemic stroke (IS). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between C1306T, 1612-5A/6A, C-1562T polymorphisms of MMP -2,3,9 genes and IS in Chinese Han population.

METHODS: The polymorphisms of MMP -2(C1306T), -3(1612-5A/6A), -9(C-1562T) gene were detected by PCR-RFLP and SNaPshot sequencing. Then, stratified analysis was used to study the relationship between IS subtypes and MMP-2,3,9 polymorphisms.

RESULTS: For the MMP-2 gene C1306T polymorphism, TT genotype and T allele were significantly associated with a reduced risk of IS ( P = 0.015, P = 0.003, respectively). T allele was significantly associated with a reduced risk of small artery occlusion (SAO) subtype compared with the control group ( P = 0.012, OR = 0.550, 95% CI = 0.065-1.291). For the MMP-3 gene-1612 (5A/6A) polymorphism, 5A/5A genotype was significantly increased in the IS group ( P = 0.011, OR = 0.370, 95% CI = 0.168-0.814), especially in the large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) subtype ( P = 0.001, OR = 2.345) as compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that the T allele of MMP -2 may be a protective factor of IS, especially in SAO subtype, while the 5A/5A gene of MMP -3 may increase the risk of IS, especially in LAA subtype in Chinese Han population.