MMP-9 (-1562 C:T) polymorphism as a biomarker of susceptibility to severe pre-eclampsia

Aim: To investigate the role of MMP-9 (-1562 C:T) polymorphism as a biomarker for susceptibility to pre-eclampsia. Patients & methods: MMP-9 variants were detected in 160 women with mild and severe pre-eclampsia and 112 healthy pregnant women. Results: A significantly higher frequency of MMP-9 CT genotype was observed in both mild and severe pre-eclamptic women compared with controls. In the presence of CT + TT genotype the risk of severe pre-eclampsia increased 2.37-fold (p = 0.02). In women with early-onset pre-eclampsia the frequency of MMP-9 CT + TT genotype was significantly higher (p = 0.045) compared with those with late-onset pre-eclampsia. Conclusion: The MMP-9 variant could be a useful biomarker of susceptibility to severe pre-eclampsia and early-onset severe pre-eclampsia.