Prognostic Significance of MMP2 and MMP9 Functional Promoter Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective(s) Matrix metalloproteinases comprise a family of enzyme that is able to degrade components of extra cellular matrix. There are single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter regions of several genes with ability to influence cancer susceptibility. The aim of this study was to analyses association between MMP2 and MMP9 promoter polymorphisms and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma occurrence and progression. Materials and Methods A case- control study was performed including 80 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients and healthy controls for MMP2 and 86 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients and 72 healthy controls for MMP9. Blood samples were genotyped for MMP2 and MMP9 using polymerization chain reaction– restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 12.0 software. Results Our results showed that distribution of MMP2 genotype between controls and patients was significantly different (χ2= 10.3, P= 0.005). Comparison between CC genotype in HNSCC patients and controls showed that C allele modified the risk of HNSCC progression (OR= 2.6, 95% CI, 1.0046–6.729). The MMP9 genotype distribution among HNSCC patients was significantly different (χ2= 14.56, P= 0.0007). The frequency of TT genotype in HNSCC patients was different from healthy controls and was more common genotype in HNSCC cases (OR= 2.18, 95% CI, 0.7052–6.7854). Conclusion Our results suggested an association of the MMP2 and MMP9 SNP with the development of HNSCC. Also, our results showed that MMP, MMP9 genotypes and smoking were related to HNSCC progression.