The Association of

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is highly expressed in gastric cancer but the role of MMP9 is unclear. This study aimed at revealing the association of MMP9 promoter rs3918242 genotypes with gastric cancer risk.MMP9 rs3918242 genotypes of 121 patients with gastric cancer and 363 healthy individuals were examined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology using serum samples.MMP9 rs3918242 TT genotype carriers had an elevated gastric cancer risk compared to wild-type CC carriers (odds ratio=3.92, 95% confidence interval=1.28-11.99; p=0.0103). Patients with CT/TT genotypes were at higher risk of metastasis (p=0.0178) than those with CC. No correlation was found between MMP9 rs3918242 genotype and gastric cancer risk with smoking or alcohol behavior, nor Helicobacter pylori infection. No correlation was observed for MMP9 rs3918242 genotypic distributions with age, gender, or body mass index.Carrying a T allele for MMP9 rs3918242 may be predictive for higher gastric cancer risk, and as a predictor for higher risk of metastasis.