Matrix metalloproteinase 9-1562C/T polymorphism increased protein levels in patients with colorectal cancer in a sample from southeastern Brazil

We examined whether the allelic and/or genotypic profile of locus - 1562C/T of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) gene influences the protein expression levels of MMP-9 in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) compared with controls. A total of 104 patients with CRC and 84 controls were evaluated. Peripheral blood was collected from both groups and DNA extraction was performed for - 1562C/T genotyping; the plasma was used for MMP-9 quantification. The CT genotype was associated with increased MMP-9 expression (P = 0.0211). High levels of protein, independently of polymorphisms, were observed in the patient group (P < 0.0001) compared to controls. Mucinous tumors with signet ring cells were more frequent in females (P = 0.0177). Overall, patients older than 50 years showed a significant risk of developing CRC (P = 0.0001). MMP-9 plasma expression was increased in patients with CRC compared to controls, particularly in those with the heterozygous - 1562CT genotype.