Does MMP-3 polymorphism have a role in the etiology of the posterior tibial tendinopathy?

Abstract

Summary Background Several risk factors and systemic conditions have been proposed in the etiology of posterior tibial tendon (PTT) tendinopathy. However, many patients present PTT dysfunction without any of these characteristics. This suggests that there could be a genetic influence associated with posterior tibial tendinopathy. Objective The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association of the −1612 polymorphism in the promoter gene of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) and posterior tibial tendinopathy. Methods The study group included 68 women who presented with PTT dysfunction grade 2 or 3, and who underwent surgical treatment, with histopathological examination of the tendon and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirming tendinopathy. The control group consisted of 100 asymptomatic women with an intact PTT on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results There was no statistically significant difference between the study and the control groups with respect to the presence of the different MMP-3 alleles and genotypes (Chi-square p value > 0.05). The odds ratio analysis showed OR = 1.9, p = 0.31 for 5A/5A vs. 6A/6A and OR = 1.8, p = 0.29 for 5A/5A vs. 6A/5A. Conclusion The −1612 polymorphism of the promoter gene of MMP-3 is not solely associated with posterior tibial tendinopathy in the studied population. Level of evidence: 3