Lack of association of matrix metalloproteinase-9 promoter gene polymorphism in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Abstract Purpose Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a public health problem. There is an effort to establish the genetic contributions to the development of OSAS. One is matrix metalloproteinases, extracellular matrix degrading enzymes related to systemic inflammation. However, the impact of matrix metalloproteinase–9 ( MMP-9 ) genotypes on the development of OSAS is unknown. Our aim was to determine whether MMP-9 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) ( MMP-9 –1562C > T) is related to susceptibility to OSAS. Material and methods A total of 106 patients with a history of sleep apnea and 88 controls without a history of sleep apnea were enrolled in this study. Genotypes were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses after polymerase chain reaction. Results Genotypes and allele frequencies of the MMP-9 –1562C > T SNP was not statistically different between the patient and control groups (p > 0.05). There was a statistical association between apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and body mass index (BMI), and also between AHI and neck circumference (p 0.05). Conclusions We found no association between MMP-9 –1562C > T SNP and OSAS. Studies to investigate the role of other polymorphisms and expression of MMP-9 gene will provide more information.