| Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the pathology underlying the majority of coronary artery disease (CAD). In this study we tested the hypothesis that polymorphic variation in the MMP genes influences the risk of developing atherosclerosis. We analyzed functional polymorphisms in the promoter of the MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9 and MMP-12 genes in 183 Brazilian Caucasian individuals submitted to coronary angiography, of which 67 (37%) had normal coronary arteries (control group) and 116 (63%) had CAD (CAD patient group). The -1607 1G/2G MMP-1, -1171 5A/6A MMP-3, -1562 C/T MMP-9, -82 A/G MMP-12 polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR followed by restriction digestion. No significant differences were observed in... |
