Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 gene polymorphisms in multiple sclerosis

We investigated the association of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (− 1562C/T, + 279R/Q) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (− 1575G/A, − 1306C/T) gene polymorphisms with multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility, gender differences and disability in 244 patients and 132 healthy subjects. A significant decrease of the − 1562T allele carriers in MS patients compared to controls (Pa = 0.01, Pacorr = 0.05) in − 1562C/T MMP-9 gene polymorphism was found, (odds ratio (OR) − 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.38–0.89). Significant differences were also demonstrated between female patients and healthy females (Pa = 0.01, Pacorr = 0.05), (OR–0.53, 95% CI:0.32–0.86). Other polymorphisms were not associated either with MS susceptibility or with phenotype of the disease. No association with disability was found.