Gene Polymorphism of Matrix Metalloproteinase-12 and-13 and Association with Colorectal Cancer in Swedish Patients

Background: It has been widely reported that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have fundamental roles in pathological processes in cancer through degradation of basal membranes and extracellular matrix. For MMP12 and MMP13, a functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been detected -82A -> G (rs2276109) and -77A -> G (rs2252070), respectively. These SNPs are suggested to have an influence on different diseases. The present study evaluated the association between these SNPs in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and healthy controls. Patients and Methods: Using the TaqMan system, these SNPs were screened in 385 patients with CRC and 619 controls. Results: No significant difference in genotype distribution or in allelic frequencies was found between the two groups. However, we showed that the AA MMP-12 genotype is connected with a higher risk of disseminated CRC (Odds Ratio=1.77; 95% Confidence Interval=1.11-2.81, p=0.018). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the -82A -> G (rs2276109) polymorphism of the MMP12 gene reflects clinical outcome of patients with CRC.