Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-2,-3,-9) Gene Polymorphisms in Cases of Benign Vocal Fold Lesions and Laryngeal Carcinoma

Background/aim The matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play an important role in the physiological and pathological remodeling of tissues including carcinogenesis. The study's aim was to assess the relations between MMP-2(-735C/T), MMP-2(-1306C/T), MMP-9(-1562C/T), and MMP-3(-11715A/6A) polymorphisms, and clinical/morphological manifestation of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and benign vocal fold lesions (BVFL). Patients and methods Two hundred and seventeen patients with LSCC and BVFL and 458 controls were included in this study. The genotyping was performed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Results The MMP-2(-1306C/T) C/T genotype was significantly rarer among the patients with moderate-poorly differentiated LSCC compared to the control group, however the MMP-3(-11715A/6A) 6A/6A genotype was significantly more frequent compared to controls. Smoking and 6A/6A genotype of MMP-3(-11715A/6A) polymorphism were associated with increased odds of LSCC risk. No associations between MMP genotypes and BVFL were found. Conclusion Smoking and MMP-3 (-11715A/6A) 6A/6A genotype may cause a higher risk for developing LSCC.