Association Study between Functional Polymorphisms of MMP9 Gene Promoter and Multiple Sclerosis Susceptibility in an Iranian Population

Sima Sabbagh; Zakiye Nadeali; Leila Dehghani; Vahid Shaygannejad; Majid Rezvani; Masih Saboori; Hamid Ganji; Soheil Tahani; Farzaneh Dehghani; Saman Hosseinzadeh; Elnaz Marzbani; Peiman Shafiei

Association Study between Functional Polymorphisms of MMP9 Gene Promoter and Multiple Sclerosis Susceptibility in an Iranian Population

Iran J Public Health. 2019 Sep;48(9):1697-1703.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Al-Zahra Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
² Medical Genetics Laboratory, Al-Zahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
³ Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
⁴ Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

PMID: 31700826
PMCID: PMC6825667

Abstract

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) polymorphisms, C-1562 T and -90 (CA) n repeats, which influence transcriptional activity of this gene, are proposed to play a role in MS susceptibility and its development. In the present study, the possible association of MMP-9 polymorphisms in Iranian MS patients is studied.

Methods: Association of MMP-9 mentioned gene polymorphisms with MS susceptibility was evaluated in unrelated Iranian subjects referred to Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran during 2014 to 2017.

Results: -1562 T allele of MMP-9 was associated with increased MS risk. However, we found no overall significant effect of -90 (CA)n repeat on MS susceptibility.

Conclusion: For as much as MMP-9 molecule is a potential target for MS therapy, to determine whether any of MMP-9 polymorphisms influence MS susceptibility in Iranian MS patients or not, concerning the significant influence of T allele on MS susceptibility and the non-significant association regarding CA repeats, further research is needed before proposing any definite conclusion.

Keywords: Association study; MMP-9 gene; Multiple sclerosis; Polymorphism.