Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 Gene Polymorphism is Associated with Coronary Artery Calcification Scores in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) is expressed in human coronary atherosclerotic lesions and is known to be involved in the degradation of plaque. This study examines the association of MMP-3 gene promoter 5A/6A and -709A>G polymorphisms with coronary artery calcium scores in type 2 diabetes patients. Methods: The study comprises 140 type 2 diabetes patients aged 34~85 years, who showed no evidence of clinical cardiovascular disease before recruitment. Recruitment was based on patient's coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores and polymorphisms were identified. Results: Multiple regression analysis showed that the CAC scores were s ignificantly associated with age (P = 0.008), waist circumference (P = 0.03), duration of diabetes (P = 0.003) and the serum creatinine level (P = 0.012). MMP-3 5A/6A and -709A>G polymorphisms were not associ ated with CAC across all subjects. However, in the subgroup with a duration of diabetes over 10 years, MMP-3 -709A>G were significantly associated with CAC (P = 0.037) adjusted for age, body mass index, waist circumference and duration of diabetes. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the CAC scores in patients with type 2 diabetes were related with age, waist circumference, duration of diabetes and higher serum crea tinine levels. MMP-3 polymorphisms with -709A>G are associated with high CAC in patients with a duration of diabetes over 10 years. (Korean Diabetes J 33:113-123, 2009)