rs17576 polymorphism of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in predicting coronary artery disease severity and its adverse outcome.

Background: The role of matrix metalloproteinases in developing ischemic heart disease has been suggested. We investigated the effect of the MMP-9 gene polymorphism rs17576 on the severity of coronary artery disease and outcomes in affected individuals.

Methods: A total of 654 patients suspected of having coronary artery disease were assessed. Real-time PCR was performed for MMP-9 (rs17576) genotyping, and ELISA was used to assess MMP-9 plasma levels. The patients were followed up for one year.

Results: Coronary angiography showed coronary artery involvement in 28% of patients. The frequencies of AA, AG, and GG genotypes of rs17576 in the group without coronary artery involvement were 5.5%, 31.4%, and 63.1%, respectively, while in those with coronary artery disease, the frequencies were 55.2%, 29.5%, and 15.3%, respectively, showing a significant difference (p < 0.001). The frequency of the major allele (G allele) in the normal group and the groups with single-, two-, and three-coronary involvement was 21.1%, 65.4%, 61.8%, and 85.0%, respectively, indicating a significant difference (p < 0.001). The mean serum level of MMP-9 was 2,963 ± 1,077 pg/ml in the group with coronary artery disease and 2,145 ± 926 pg/ml in the group without coronary involvement, with a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.008). The presence of the A allele of rs17576 was associated with an increased hazard of one-year mortality in the coronary artery disease group (HR = 5.764, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Tracking the rs17576 polymorphism of the MMP-9 gene can predict coronary artery disease severity and its long-term poorer outcome.