Research Articles : A Polymorphism in the Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2-1306T>C) Gene Promoter is Associated with High Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Hypertensive Patients

The action of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can weaken the arterial wall, contributing to the destabilizing and rupture of atheromatous plaque. Within the MMPs, type 2 stands out due to its action on basement membrane constituents. Previous studies have revealed elevated levels of MMP-2 in the acute phase of ischemic stroke (IS). An MMP-2 single nucleotide polymorphism, -1306T>C (rs243865), displayed strikingly high promoter activity with the C allele. Our study analyzed whether or not the MMP-2-1306T>C polymorphism contributed to the development of IS in a Mexican population. Ninety-eight patients with IS and 213 control subjects were analyzed. Genomic DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and polymorphism detection by restriction enzyme digestion were performed to detect MMP-2-1306T>C polymorphism. An increased probability of IS associated with the MMP-2 CC genotype (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.02-2.85) was found. IS risk associated with the CC genotype was more pronounced in hypertensive subjects (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.4-5.5). The CC genotype was not associated with the development of primary hypertension. The data suggest that MMP-2-1306T>C polymorphism greatly contributes to IS development in the population studied, principally in hypertensive subjects. This case-control study lends support to the association of MMP-2 with stroke at the genetic level, an association consistent with MMP-2 participation in IS physiopathology.