Identification of the Effects of Aging-Related Gene-Matrix Metalloproteinase on Allograft Outcomes in Kidney Transplantation

BackgroundAging plays a profound role in the ability of the kidney to function. Aging which varies among individuals, has been associated with the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 7 and 20 genes. This study was conducted to analyze correlations between polymorphisms of MMP genes [rs880197 in MMP7 (A>T) and rs1711437 in MMP20 (G>A)] and transplant outcomes in 235 recipients.MethodsTransplant outcomes were evaluated according to the sum of the A alleles in the recipients and the donors. The group with a high number of A alleles (≥3) was compared with the group with a low number (<3).ResultsThe group with a high number of MMP7 A alleles showed a lower risk of chronic tubulointerstitial lesion than the group with a low number (P = .009). The group with a high number of MMP20 A alleles had showed better long-term kidney function at 10 years after transplantation than the group with a low number (P = .026). Furthermore, the group with a high number of MMP20 A alleles showed a trend toward better graft survival compared with the group with a low number, especially among recipients followed for >1 year (P = .022).ConclusionsPolymorphisms of MMP7 and MMP20 genes may be surrogate markers to predict long-term outcomes after kidney transplantation.