MMP-9 microsatellite polymorphism and multiple sclerosis

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2004.03.009
• Publication Date: 2004-06-29T08:32:51Z
• Authors: Nicola Fiotti; Robert Zivadinov; Nicola Altamura; Davide Nasuelli; Alessio Bratina; Maria Antonietta ...; Antonio Bosco; Laura Locatelli; Attilio Grop; Giuseppe Cazzato; Gianfranco Guarnieri; Carlo Giansante; Marino Zorzon
• Keywords: Adult; Genetic Markers; Male; microsatellite; Multiple Sclerosis; Adolescent; Polymerase Chain Reaction; susceptibility; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Risk Factors; multiple sclerosis; matrix metalloproteinase 9; genetic polymorphism; microsatellite; susceptibility; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; genetic polymorphism; Humans; Age of Onset; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Polymorphism, Genetic; Brain; Middle Aged; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Radiography; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; multiple sclerosi; matrix metalloproteinase 9; Female; Microsatellite Repeats

A polymorphism (PM) in the microsatellite of the promoter region of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), modulating its expression, could play a role in susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS). MMP-9 PM was determined in 95 patients with MS (MS Group) and 95 age- and sex-matched controls (Control Group). Comparison of allelic frequencies showed that a higher number of CA repeats characterized the MS group (P<0.0001) and prevalence of carriers of > or =22 CA repeats was higher in the MS than in the Control Group (OR 3.4, 95% CI: 1.7-6.8, P<0.0001). An earlier age at disease onset was a characteristic of patients with >22 CA repeats (33+/-10 vs. 28+/-10, P=0.027). No differences were found in the main MRI parameters.