Association of matrix metalloproteinase-9 polymorphism with severity of Guillain-Barré syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated neurological disorder with a multifaceted nature. Infectious agents and immune-response genetic host factors may contribute to the development of GBS. The matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), an enzyme is upregulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines and might play an important role in the pathogenesis of GBS. This study investigated the association of a single nucleotide polymorphism (−1562C/T, rs3918242) in the MMP9 gene with the susceptibility and severity of GBS in Bangladesh. The allele and genotype distributions of the MMP9 polymorphism were not significantly different between 303 patients with GBS and 303 healthy controls. Serum concentrations of MMP-9 were significantly elevated in patients with GBS compared to healthy controls (P ≤.0001). No significant association of MMP-9 (−1562C/T) polymorphism was observed with disease prognosis. The frequencies of the MMP9–1562 CT genotype and T allele (P = .01, OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.22–4.22; Pc = 0.03 and P = .012, OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.14–3.38; Pc = 0.024, respectively) were significantly increased in patients with severe form of GBS, indicates the MMP9 polymorphism plays a role in the disease severity of GBS. •MMP9 (−1562C/T) polymorphism confers no risk for susceptibility to GBS.•MMP9–1562 CT genotype and T-alleles were associated with disease severity.•Serum levels of MMP-9 were elevated in severe form of GBS compared to mild form.•Concentration of MMP-9 was high in GBS or subtypes of GBS than healthy controls.•No association was found between MMP9 polymorphism and serological subgroups of GBS.