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

Abstract

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 -1306T and C -735T 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 -735T polymorphism and the C-T haplotype were associated with higher MMP-2 (but not TIMP-2) levels (p < 0.05), whereas the C -1306T 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. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG.