Functional Polymorphism Located in MMP-9 Gene Promoter Is Strongly Associated with Obesity

The adipose tissue expansion is accompanied by remodeling of extracellular matrix performed by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Higher plasma and tissue MMP-9 levels are found in obese; therefore, we evaluated if the functional C-1562T polymorphism (rs3918242) located in promoter region of the MMP-9 gene is associated with obesity in women. We studied 112 lean and 114 obese women. Plasma MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of MMP-9 (TIMP)-1 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found different genotype frequencies between lean and obese women (p = 0.008), prevailing T-allele in obese (2.3-fold). However, although obese women present higher levels of plasma MMP-9, lack of modulation by the polymorphism was found (all p > 0.05). Our findings suggest that C-1562T polymorphism may contribute to pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the development of obesity in women.

Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG-Brazil)

Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG), Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico-CNPq

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)

Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)

Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)

IEPSCBH Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte

IEP-SCBH-Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte