Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in gastrointestinal cancer

Association of Clinicopathological Factors With MMP13 (rs2252070) Gene Polymorphism in Swedish Patients With Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) has been reported to be involved in tumor development and progression, including of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed at evaluating whether the MMP13 rs2252070 gene polymorphism is associated with clinicopathological factors and its influence on long-term survival in Swedish patients with CRC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 723 patients with CRC were genotyped using TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphism assays based on polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Assessing clinicopathological factors, we demonstrated that having the G/G genotype for MMP13 rs2252070 was significantly associated with poor differentiation, higher serum level of carcinoembryonic antigen and higher lymph node status. Moreover, the presence of a G allele was significantly related to larger tumor size in rectal cancer but had a significantly protective role against mucinous cancer, perineural invasion and lymphovascular invasion. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no difference between genotypes regarding cancer-specific survival.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the potential of MMP13 rs2252070 polymorphism as a useful predictor of poor differentiation, serum level of carcinoembryonic antigen, lymph node status, tumor size, mucinous cancer, perineural invasion and lymphovascular invasion in patients with CRC.

Identification of Molecular Mechanisms Responsible for the MMP-9-1562C/T Dependent Differential Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression in Human Neuron-like Cells

The MMP-9-1562C/T polymorphism exerts an impact on the occurrence and progression of numerous disorders affecting the central nervous system. Using luciferase assays and Q-RT-PCR technique, we have discovered a distinct allele-specific influence of the MMP-9-1562C/T polymorphism on the MMP-9 (Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase-9) promoter activity and the expression of MMP-9 mRNA in human neurons derived from SH-SY5Y cells. Subsequently, by employing a pull-down assay paired with mass spectrometry analysis, EMSA (Electromobility Shift Assay), and EMSA supershift techniques, as well as DsiRNA-dependent gene silencing, we have elucidated the mechanism responsible for the allele-specific impact of the MMP-9-1562C/T polymorphism on the transcriptional regulation of the MMP-9 gene. We have discovered that the activity of the MMP-9 promoter and the expression of MMP-9 mRNA in human neurons are regulated in a manner that is specific to the MMP-9-1562C/T allele, with a stronger upregulation being attributed to the C allele. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the allele-specific action of the MMP-9-1562C/T polymorphism on the neuronal MMP-9 expression is related to HDAC1 (Histone deacetylase 1) and ZNF384 (Zinc Finger Protein 384) transcriptional regulators. We show that HDAC1 and ZNF384 bind to the C and the T alleles differently, forming different regulatory complexes in vitro. Moreover, our data demonstrate that HDAC1 and ZNF384 downregulate MMP-9 gene promoter activity and mRNA expression in human neurons acting mostly via the T allele.

How to place the duality of specific MMP-9 inhibition for treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases into clinical opportunities?

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) with the involvement of immune cells and molecules, including cytokines, chemokines and proteases. A previous extensive review about the molecular biology of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs), related to intestinal barrier destruction and restoration functions in IBD, is here complemented with the literature from the last five years. We also compare IBD as a prototypic mucosal inflammation of an epithelial barrier against microorganisms with inflammatory retinopathy as a disease with a barrier dysfunction at the level of blood vessels. Multiple reasons are at the basis of halting clinical trials with monoclonal antibodies against MMP-9 for IBD treatment. These include (i) the absence of a causative role of MMP-9 in the pathology in animal models of IBD, (ii) the fact that endotoxins, crossing the intestinal barrier, induce massive local release of both neutrophil collagenase (MMP-8) and gelatinase B (MMP-9), (iii) insufficient recognition that MMPs modify the activities of cytokines, chemokines and their receptors, (iv) ignorance that MMPs exist as mixtures of proteoforms with different posttranslational modifications and with different specific activities and (v) the fact that MMPs and TIMPs act in an interactive network, possibly having also beneficial effects on IBD evolution. Nevertheless, inhibition of MMPs may be a useful therapeutic approach during specific IBD disease phases or in specific sub-phenotypes. This temporary “window of opportunity” for MMP-9 inhibition may be complemented by a locoregional one, provided that the pharmacological agents are targeted in time to affected tissues, as is achieved in ophthalmological inflammation. Thus, in order to discover spatial and temporal windows of opportunity for MMP inhibition as treatment of IBD, more preclinical work including well controlled animal studies will be further needed. In this respect, MMP-9/NGAL complex analysis in various body compartments is helpful for better stratification of IBD patients who may benefit from anti-MMP-9.

Insights into the Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Precancerous Conditions and in Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancer worldwide. CRC is derived from polyps and many factors, such as Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) can gain the progression of colorectal carcinogenesis. Many investigations have indicated the role of MMPs in CRC development while there is not enough knowledge about the function of MMPs in precancerous conditions. This review summarizes the current information about the role of MMPs in polyps and CRC progression.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third and second cancer for incidence and mortality worldwide, respectively, and is becoming prevalent in developing countries. Most CRCs derive from polyps, especially adenomatous polyps, which can gradually transform into CRC. The family of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of CRC. Prominent MMPs, including MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-12, MMP-13, MMP-14, and MMP-21, have been detected in CRC patients, and the expression of most of them correlates with a poor prognosis. Moreover, many studies have explored the inhibition of MMPs and targeted therapy for CRC, but there is not enough information about the role of MMPs in polyp malignancy. In this review, we discuss the role of MMPs in colorectal cancer and its pathogenesis

Association of polymorphisms in IL-8, MMP-1 and MMP-13 with the risk and prognosis of oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the risk and prognostic value of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) inIL-8, MMP-1 and MMP-13 in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).

DESIGN

SNPs rs2227532 and rs4073 inIL-8, rs2071230 and rs470558 in MMP-1, and rs2252070 in MMP-13 were genotyped in 125 oral and oropharyngeal SCC patients and 130 healthy controls, using TaqMan allelic discrimination assays. Multiple logistic regression models were used to explore the association between SNPs and cancer development, as well as SNP-SNP interaction and gene-environmental factor (GxE) interaction. Univariate and multivariate methods were applied for survival analyses.

RESULTS

With exception of rs2227532, all the SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the control. No associations between rs4073 in IL-8 and rs2071230 and rs470558 in MMP-1 were observed, but rs2252070 in MMP-13, in the dominant model, was associated in a protective manner to oral and oropharyngeal SCC (OR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.06-0.71, p = 0.007). All SNPs interact significantly with cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption on susceptibility to oral and oropharyngeal SCC, but they showed no influence on survival of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that rs2252070 inMMP-13 may confer protection effect against oral and oropharyngeal SCC. In addition, the combined effects of IL-8 (rs4073), MMP-1 (rs2071230 and rs470558) and MMP-13 (rs2252070) with environmental carcinogens, such as tobacco and alcohol, are related to increased risk for oral and oropharyngeal SCC development.

Strong association of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 and -3 promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms with risk of colorectal cancer in ethnic Kashmiri population - a case control study

Background: The tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) including TIMP2 and TIMP3 are the key physiological inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and along with MMPs, TIMPs play a vital role in the coordinated proteolytic breakdown and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the basement membrane that represent the barriers to any malignant tumor invasion and progression. These enzymes are vital for tumor invasion and metastasis and also play a critical role in several other stages of tumor development and progression. The studies on the association of various polymorphisms in human TIMP2 and TIMP3 genes including TIMP2-418G/C and TIMP3-1296T/C single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and CRC risk are limited, mixed, and inconclusive.Materials and methods: The aim of the present study was to analyze the association of TIMP2-418G/C and TIMP3-1296T/C promoter SNPs with colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility and development risk and also to evaluate the modifying effects of possible TIMP2-418G/C and TIMP3-1296T/C SNPs' genotypes on different risk factors of CRC or the reciprocal effect in ethnic population of Kashmir, India through a case-control setup. The genotype frequencies of TIMP2-418G/C and TIMP3-1296T/C promoter SNPs were compared between 142 CRC patients and 184 individually matched healthy controls by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The associations between the TIMP2-418G/C and TIMP3-1296T/C SNPs and CRC risk were examined through conditional logistic regression models adjusted for multiple possible confounding (third) variables. The possible effect measure modification of the association between the relevant SNP genotypes and CRC risk by various CRC risk factors including age, gender, and smoking status was also analyzed. Further, the associations between these SNPs and various clinico-pathological parameters, demographic variables, and environmental factors within the case group subjects with regard to CRC risk were also evaluated.Results: The overall association between the TIMP2-418G/C and TIMP3-1296T/C SNPs and the modulation of CRC risk was found to be highly significant (P=0.019 and P=0.000 for TIMP2 and TIMP3 SNPs, respectively). The heterozygous genotype (GC) of TIMP2-418G/C was significantly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer [OR, 1.87 (95%CI, 1.07-3.27); P=0.027] whereas the heterozygous genotype (TC) of TIMP3-1296T/C SNP was significantly associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer [OR, 0.53 (95%CI, 0.32-0.86); P=0.011]. The variant genotype (CC) of TIMP3-1296T/C SNP was also significantly associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer [OR, 0.18 (95%CI, 0.05-0.65); P=0.009].Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that there is a strong and highly significant association between the TIMP2-418G/C and TIMP3-1296T/C promoter SNPs and the risk of developing CRC in ethnic Kashmiri population. However, in order to substantiate our findings, the present study needs to be replicated with bigger sample size and should involve other ethnically defined populations with high CRC risk.

Association of MMP9-1562C/T and MMP13-77A/G Polymorphisms with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Southern Chinese Population

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are capable of degrading and modifying most components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the basal membrane (BM), and play crucial roles in cancer invasion and metastasis. MMP gene expressions were regulated primarily at the transcriptional level, which was associated with tumor spread and patient prognosis. Polymorphisms in MMPs have been reported to be associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The objective of this study aim to evaluate the serum levels and polymorphisms of MMP-9 and MMP-13 in non-small cell lung cancer patients compared to normal subjects and their correlation to non-small cell lung cancer histopathology findings in Southern Chinese people. Methods: This case–control study included 245 patients with NSCLC and 258 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was extracted by using DNA extraction kit, genotyping was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and direct DNA sequencing, and serum levels of MMP-9 and MMP-13 were measured by using a specific ELISA, Human Matrix Metalloproteinase Enzyme Immunoassay Kits. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS 23.0 software package. Results: The subjects carrying the TT genotype had a decreased risk of lung cancer in MMP9-1562C/T comparing with the CC genotype (p = 0.00, OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.29–0.68), and the MMP13-77 AA genotype was associated with a decreased risk of NSCLC by comparing with the GG genotype (p = 0.03, OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.33–0.94). Moreover, the C allele of MMP9-1562C/T could increase serum level of NSCLC in compared with the A allele (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.75–1.89). Similarly, the AA genotype of MMP13 might be a marker of decreased serum level of lung cancer (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.51–1.14). Conclusions: The results of these analyses underline the support of the notion that the CC genotype of MMP9-1562C/T and GG genotypes of MMP13-77G/A were associated with the increased risk NSCLC, and the serum levels of MMP9 and MMP13 were consistent with the results of the SNP analysis. MMP13 and MMP9 might be function as a key oncogene in NSCLC with a Southern Chinese population. Combined detection of SNP and enzyme activity between MMP9 and MMP13 are expected to be a potential diagnostic method of non-small cell lung cancer.

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -2, -7 and -9 promoter polymorphisms in colorectal cancer in ethnic Kashmiri population - A case-control study and a mini review

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes that play a pivotal role in the transformation and progression of tumors at all stages, especially during the invasion and metastasis. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic association of MMP2, MMP7 and MMP9 promoter polymorphisms with colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility and development risk in ethnic Kashmiri population. The genotype frequencies of MMP2-1306C/T, MMP7-181A/G and MMP9-1562C/T SNPs were compared between 142 CRC patients and 184 healthy controls by using PCR-RFLP method. The association between all the three MMP promoter polymorphisms and the modulation of risk of CRC was found to be significant (p≤0.05). The heterozygous genotype (CT) of MMP2-1306C/T SNP and variant genotype (GG) of MMP7-181A/G SNP showed a significant association with decreased risk for the development of CRC [OR, 0.61 (95%CI, 0.37-1.01); p=0.05 and OR, 0.43 (95%CI, 0.20-0.90); p=0.02, respectively] whereas the heterozygous genotype (CT) of MMP9-1562C/T SNP showed a significant association with increased risk for the development of colorectal cancer [OR, 1.88 (95%CI, 1.11-3.18); p=0.02]. Further, the less common MMP9-1562T allele was found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer [OR, 1.74 (95%CI, 1.15-2.62); p=0.007]. Our results suggest that these MMP2, MMP7 and MMP9 promoter polymorphisms play a role as one of the key modulators of the risk of developing colorectal cancer in Kashmiri population.

The influence of matrix metalloproteinase-2, -9, and -12 promoter polymorphisms on Iranian patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM OF THE STUDY

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a zinc-dependant endopeptidase family that can degrade extracellular matrix components. Their dysregulation has been proven in several diseases, including cancer. Genetic variations in MMP promoter regions can alter their expression. The aim of the present study is to investigate the correlation of MMP-2 (-1306C/T), MMP-9 (-1562C/T), and MMP-12 (-82A/G) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) initiation and progression susceptibility in Iranian patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

MMP-2 (-1306C/T), MMP-9 (-1562C/T), and MMP-12 (-82A/G) SNPs were detected using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique in 70 patients and 60 healthy controls. The genotypes and allele distributions were statistically compared in patients and controls. The correlation of MMP-2 (-1306C/T) and MMP-9 (-1562C/T) polymorphisms with clinicopathological features were investigated in 53 patients.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were observed in genotype and allele frequencies of MMP-2 (-1306C/T) and MMP-9 (-1562C/T) between patients and controls (p > 0.05). In addition, no relevance was observed in MMP-2 (-1306C/T) and MMP-9 (-1562C/T) SNPs and clinicopathological features. There was no nucleotide variation in MMP-12 (-82) in the case and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that these three SNPs may have no significant association in ESCC risk in Iranian patients.

Relationship between single-nucleotide polymorphism of matrix metalloproteinase-2 gene and colorectal cancer and gastric cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis

Background

Recently, the published data on the association between matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) (C-1306T) polymorphism and colorectal cancer (CRC) and gastric cancer (GC) (gastrointestinal cancer) risk remained controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the risk of CRC and GC and single-nucleotide polymorphism of MMP-2(C-1306T).

Methods

Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, and PubMed were thoroughly searched to identify relevant studies. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of the association.

Results

We performed a meta-analysis of 14 studies including 642 cases and 692 controls for CRC and 1,936 cases and 3,490 controls for GC. The result indicates that there is significant relationship between MMP-2(C-1306T) polymorphism and CRC risk in recessive model and codominant model (TT vs CC/CT: OR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.30–4.37, P=0.005; TT vs CC: OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.29–4.34, P=0.006). In subgroup analysis according to ethnicity, significant associations were found in Caucasians (TT vs CC/CT: OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.43–5.78, P=0.003; TT vs CC: OR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.41–5.80, P=0.003), but we did not find significant evidence with GC in all genetic models, and in stratified analysis according to ethnicity, no significant risk was found in the subgroup too.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis considered that the MMP-2(C-1306T) polymorphism is a risk factor for CRC susceptibility, especially in Caucasians, but it does not support any relationship to GC, and further studies are needed to explore the association.

Association of MMP7 -181A→G Promoter Polymorphism with Gastric Cancer Risk: INFLUENCE OF NICOTINE IN DIFFERENTIAL ALLELE-SPECIFIC TRANSCRIPTION VIA INCREASED PHOSPHORYLATION OF cAMP-RESPONSE ELEMENT-BINDING PROTEIN (CREB)

Elevated expression of matrix metalloproteinase7 (MMP7) has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in cancer invasion. The -181A→G (rs11568818) polymorphism in the MMP7 promoter modulates gene expression and possibly affects cancer progression. Here, we evaluated the impact of -181A→G polymorphism on MMP7 promoter activity and its association with gastric cancer risk in eastern Indian case-control cohorts (n = 520). The GG genotype as compared with the AA genotype was predisposed (p = 0.02; odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.1-3.3) to gastric cancer risk. Stratification analysis showed that tobacco addiction enhanced gastric cancer risk in GG subjects when compared with AA subjects (p = 0.03, odds ratio = 2.46, and 95% confidence interval = 1.07-5.68). Meta-analysis revealed that tobacco enhanced the risk for cancer more markedly in AG and GG carriers. Activity and expression of MMP7 were significantly higher in GG than in AA carriers. In support, MMP7 promoter-reporter assays showed greater transcriptional activity toward A to G transition under basal/nicotine-induced/cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) overexpressed conditions in gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Moreover, nicotine (a major component of tobacco) treatment significantly up-regulated MMP7 expression due to enhanced CREB phosphorylation followed by its nuclear translocation in gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments revealed higher binding of phosphorylated CREB with the -181G than the -181A allele. Altogether, specific binding of phosphorylated CREB to the G allele-carrying promoter enhances MMP7 gene expression that is further augmented by nicotine due to increased CREB phosphorylation and thereby increases the risk for gastric cancer.

Matrix metalloproteinases and gastrointestinal cancers: Impacts of dietary antioxidants

The process of carcinogenesis is tightly regulated by antioxidant enzymes and matrix degrading enzymes, namely, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins like collagen, proteoglycan, laminin, elastin and fibronectin is considered to be the prerequisite for tumor invasion and metastasis. MMPs can degrade essentially all of the ECM components and, most MMPs also substantially contribute to angiogenesis, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Hence, MMPs are important regulators of tumor growth both at the primary site and in distant metastases; thus the enzymes are considered as important targets for cancer therapy. The implications of MMPs in cancers are no longer mysterious; however, the mechanism of action is yet to be explained. Herein, our major interest is to clarify how MMPs are tied up with gastrointestinal cancers. Gastrointestinal cancer is a variety of cancer types, including the cancers of gastrointestinal tract and organs, i.e., esophagus, stomach, biliary system, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. The activity of MMPs is regulated by its endogenous inhibitor tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) which bind MMPs with a 1:1 stoichiometry. In addition, RECK (reversion including cysteine-rich protein with kazal motifs) is a membrane bound glycoprotein that inhibits MMP-2, -9 and -14. Moreover, α2-macroglobulin mediates the uptake of several MMPs thereby inhibit their activity. Cancerous conditions increase intrinsic reactive oxygen species (ROS) through mitochondrial dysfunction leading to altered protease/anti-protease balance. ROS, an index of oxidative stress is also involved in tumorigenesis by activation of different MAP kinase pathways including MMP induction. Oxidative stress is involved in cancer by changing the activity and expression of regulatory proteins especially MMPs. Epidemiological studies have shown that high intake of fruits that rich in antioxidants is associated with a lower cancer incidence. Evidence indicates that some antioxidants inhibit the growth of malignant cells by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the activity of MMPs. This review is discussed in six subchapters, as follows.

QRS widening rates and genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases in a cohort of patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND

QRS duration is considered to be an indicator of adverse outcome in patients with heart failure (HF), and genetic polymorphisms may be involved in this conductivity impairment. We studied the prognostic impact of the QRS widening rate (QRS-WR) on patients with HF and the influence of the matrix metalloproteinases gene polymorphisms on the QRS-WR.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 184 patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (LV ejection fraction [LVEF] < 45%). The QRS-WR was calculated as the difference between 2 electrocardiogram assessments (in ms) divided by the time elapsed between each evaluation (months). The MMP-1 -1607 1G/2G, MMP-2 -790G/T and -1575G/A, MMP-3 -1171 5A/6A, MMP-9 -1562 C/T and R279Q, and MMP-12 -82A/G polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

Patients were predominantly white (68%) men (67%) in New York Heart Association functional classes I and II (77%). Patients with HF with a QRS-WR ≥ 0.5 ms/month had more HF-related deaths and more combined clinical events than those with a QRS-WR < 0.5 ms/month (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively). After adjusting for other covariates, the QRS-WR remained an independent predictor of combined clinical events (hazard ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.5; P = 0.02). The MMP-1 2G2G genotype was associated with nearly a 2-fold increase in QRS-WR (P = 0.03). Conversely, patients with the MMP-3 5A5A genotype and a nonischemic cause of HF were protected against QRS enlargement (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

QRS-WR retains prognostic value in patients with chronic HF receiving guideline-based pharmacologic treatment. MMP gene polymorphisms can influence the rate of QRS enlargement over time.

Impact of MMP-3 and TIMP-3 gene polymorphisms on prostate cancer susceptibility in North Indian cohort

PURPOSE

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in progression and metastases of different tumors. The balance between the MMPs and their natural inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases; TIMP) seem to be an important factor related to its role. The purpose of this study was to evaluate polymorphisms in the MMP-3 and TIMP-3 genes for their associations with prostate cancer (PCa) risk in North Indians.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) method in 150 PCa patients and 200 age matched controls of similar ethnicity.

RESULTS

We found significant association in the MMP-3(1171)5A/6A and TIMP-3 (1298) C/T polymorphism with PCa risk. Variant genotype (5A/5A) of MMP-3(1171)5A/6A polymorphism had a high PCa risk (p=0.037, OR=3.52, 95%CI=1.08-11.5). Individuals with TIMP-3 (1298) CT genotype as well as T allele showed reduced risk of PCa (p<0.001; OR=0.31; 95%CI=0.18-0.52, and p=0.001; OR=0.49; 95%CI=0.32-0.75). This effect was even more evident in case of T allele carrier (CT+TT) (p<0.001; OR=0.36; 95%CI=0.22-0.59). Overall no significant association was observed statistically in MMP-3 and TIMP-3 with any of the grading stages and smoking habits in PCa. Haplotype analysis of MMP-3 showed that A-5A-A was associated with three folds (OR=3.06; 95%CI=1.71-5.47; p<0.001) increased risk in PCa patients.

CONCLUSION

This is the first reported association between polymorphisms in the MMP-3 and TIMP-3 gene and PCa risk and supports the hypothesis that the protease/antiprotease balance has an important role. Due to the small sample size further investigations need to be done to prove a statistical significant correlation between the MMP/TIMP expression and clinicopathological parameters.

The behavior of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in colorectal cancer

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the degradation of extracellular matrix components crucial for tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. MMPs are controlled by natural inhibitors called tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). We and others have demonstrated that MMPs and TIMPs are especially important in the process of tumor invasion, progression and the metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). It has been proposed that MMPs and TIMPs might play a part not only in tumor invasion and initiation of metastasis but also in carcinogenesis from colorectal adenomas. Several recent studies demonstrated that high preoperative serum or plasma MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 antigen levels are strong predictive factors for poor prognosis in patients with CRC and their determination might be useful for identification of patients with higher risk for cancer recurrence. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 have significant potential tumor marker impact in CRC. Their diagnostic sensitivity is consistently higher than those of conventional biomarkers. The pharmacological targeting of CRC by the development of a new generation of selective inhibitors of MMPs, that is highly specific for certain MMPs, is a promising and challenging area for the future.

MMP-2 and MMP-9 in normal mucosa are independently associated with outcome of colorectal cancer patients

Background:

Upregulation of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 in various cancers has been associated with worse survival of the patients.

Methods:

We assessed MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in normal colorectal mucosa from colorectal cancer patients in relation to the course of the disease.

Results:

A high protein expression of MMP-2 as well as MMP-9 in normal mucosa was found to be correlated with worse 5-year survival. The combination of both parameters was an even stronger prognostic factor. These protein levels were found not to be related to the corresponding single nucleotide polymorphisms of MMP-2 (−1306C>T) and MMP-9 (−1562C>T). Multivariate analyses indicated that the MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in normal mucosa are prognostic for survival, independent of TNM classification.

Conclusion:

MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in normal mucosa are indicative of the course of disease in colorectal cancer patients.

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 genetic variants modify the circulating MMP-2 levels in end-stage kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play important roles in the pathophysiology of renal diseases, and imbalanced MMP-2 and its endogenous inhibitor (the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2; TIMP-2) are implicated in the vascular alterations of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. We have examined whether MMP-2 gene polymorphisms and haplotypes modify MMP-2 and TIMP-2 levels in ESKD patients as well as the effects of hemodialysis on the concentrations of these biomarkers.

METHODS

We determined MMP-2 and TIMP-2 plasma levels by gelatin zymography and ELISA, respectively, in 98 ESKD patients and in 38 healthy controls. Genotypes for two relevant MMP-2 polymorphisms (C(-1306)T and C(-735)T in the promoter region) were determined by TaqMan(®) allele discrimination assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction. The software program PHASE 2.1 was used to estimate the haplotype frequencies.

RESULTS

We found increased plasma MMP-2 and TIMP-2 levels in ESKD patients compared to controls (p < 0.05), and hemodialysis decreased MMP-2 (but not TIMP-2) levels (p < 0.05). The T allele for the C(-735)T polymorphism and the C-T haplotype were associated with higher MMP-2 (but not TIMP-2) levels (p < 0.05), whereas the C(-1306)T had no effects. Hemodialysis decreased MMP-2 (but not TIMP-2) levels independently of MMP-2 genotypes or haplotypes (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MMP-2 genotypes or haplotypes modify MMP-2 levels in ESKD patients, and may help to identify patients with increased MMP-2 activity in plasma. Hemodialysis reduces MMP-2 levels independently of MMP-2 genetic variants.

Human matrix metalloproteinases: an ubiquitarian class of enzymes involved in several pathological processes

Human matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) belong to the M10 family of the MA clan of endopeptidases. They are ubiquitarian enzymes, structurally characterized by an active site where a Zn(2+) atom, coordinated by three histidines, plays the catalytic role, assisted by a glutamic acid as a general base. Various MMPs display different domain composition, which is very important for macromolecular substrates recognition. Substrate specificity is very different among MMPs, being often associated to their cellular compartmentalization and/or cellular type where they are expressed. An extensive review of the different MMPs structural and functional features is integrated with their pathological role in several types of diseases, spanning from cancer to cardiovascular diseases and to neurodegeneration. It emerges a very complex and crucial role played by these enzymes in many physiological and pathological processes.